Boron containing small molecules as anti-inflammatory agents

ABSTRACT

Methods of treating anti-inflammatory conditions through the use of boron-containing small molecules are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/688,581, filed Apr. 16, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/954,770, filed Jul. 30, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No.9,029,353 issued May 12, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/453,682, filed Apr. 23, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.8,501,712 issued on Aug. 6, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/676,120, filed Feb. 16, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.8,168,614 issued on May 1, 2012, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/823,888 filed on Aug. 29, 2006 andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/774,532 filed on Feb. 16,2006. All applications to which priority is claimed are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION

Irregular inflammation is a major component of a wide range of humandiseases. People suffering from degenerative disorders often exhibitexcess levels of pro-inflammatory regulators in their blood. One type ofsuch pro-inflammatory regulators are cytokines including IL-1α, β, IL-2,IL-3, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-23, TNF-α, LT, LIP,Oncostatin, and IFNc1α, β, γ.

A non-limiting list of common medical problems that are directly causedby inflammatory cytokines include: arthritis where inflammatorycytokines can lead to lesions in the synovial membrane and destructionof joint cartilage and bone: kidney failure where inflammatory cytokinesrestrict circulation and damage nephrons: lupus where inflammatorycytokines exacerbate immune complex deposition and damage; asthma whereinflammatory cytokines close the airway; psoriasis where inflammatorycytokines induce dermatitis: pancreatitis where inflammatory cytokinesinduce pancreatic cell injury; allergy where inflammatory cytokinesinduce vasopermeability and congestion: fibrosis where inflammatorycytokines attack traumatized tissue; surgical complications whereinflammatory cytokines prevent healing; anemia where inflammatorycytokines attack erythropoietin production; and fibromyalgia whereinflammatory cytokines are elevated in fibromyalgia patients.

Other diseases associated with chronic inflammation include cancer;heart attack where chronic inflammation contributes to coronaryatherosclerosis; Alzheimer's disease where chronic inflammation destroysbrain cells; congestive heart failure where chronic inflammation causesheart muscle wasting; stroke where chronic inflammation promotesthrombo-embolic events; and aortic valve stenosis where chronicinflammation damages heart valves. Arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis,Parkinson's disease, infection, inflammatory bowel disease includingCrohn's disease and ulcerative colitis as well as multiple sclerosis (atypical autoimmune inflammatory-related disease) are also related toinflammation (Bebo, B. F., Jr., J Neurosci Res, 45: 340-348, (1996);Mennicken, F., Trends Pharmacol Sci, 20: 73-78, (1999); Watanabe, T. IntJ Cardiol, 66 Suppl 1: S45-53; discussion S55, (1998); Sullivan, G. W.,J Leukoc Biol, 67: 591-602, (2000); Franceschi, C., Ann N Y Acad Sci,908: 244-254, (2000); Rogers, J, Ann N Y Acad Sci, 924: 132-135, (2000);Li, Y. J., Hum Mol Genet, 12: 3259-3267, (2003); Maccarrone, M., CurrDrug Targets Inflamm Allergy, 1: 53-63, (2002); Lindsberg, P. J.,Stroke, 34: 2518-2532, (2003); DeGraba, T. J., Adv Neurol, 92: 29-42,(2003); Ito, H., Curr Drug Targets Inflamm Allergy, 2: 125-130, (2003);von der Thusen, J. H., Pharmacol Rev, 55: 133-166, (2003); Schmidt, M.I., Clin Chem Lab Med, 41: 1120-1130, (2003); Virdis, A., Curr OpinNephrol Hypertens, 12: 181-187, (2003); Tracy, R. P., Int J Clin Pract,Suppl 10-17, (2003); Haugeberg, G., Curr Opin Rheumatol, 15: 469-475,(2003); Tanaka, Y., J Bone Miner Metab, 21: 61-66, (2003); Williams, J.D., Clin Exp Dermatol, 27: 585-590, (2002)). Some diseases in advancedstages can be life threatening. Several methodologies are available forthe treatment of such inflammatory diseases; the results, however, aregenerally unsatisfactory as evidenced by a lack of efficacy and drugrelated side effects associated therewith.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises Crohn's disease (CD) andulcerative colitis (UC), both of which are idiopathic chronic diseasesoccurring with an increasing frequency in many parts of the world. Inthe United States, more than 600,000 are affected every year. IBD caninvolve either small bowel, large bowel, or both. CD can involve anypart of the gastrointestinal tract, but most frequently involves thedistal small bowel and colon. It either spares the rectum, or causesinflammation or infection with drainage around the rectum. UC usuallycauses ulcers in the lower part of the large intestine, often startingat the rectum. Symptoms vary but may include diarrhea, fever, and pain.Patients with prolonged UC are at an increased risk of developing coloncancer. There is currently no satisfactory treatment, as the cause forIBD remains unclear although infectious and immunologic mechanisms havebeen proposed. IBD treatments aim at controlling inflammatory symptoms,conventionally using corticosteroids, aminosalicylates and standardimmunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine (6-mercaptopurine),methotrexate and ciclosporine. Of these, the only disease-modifyingtherapies are the immunosuppressive agents azathioprine andmethotrexate, both of which have a slow onset of action and only amoderate efficacy. Long-term therapy may cause liver damage (fibrosis orcirrhosis) and bone marrow suppression. Also patients often becomerefractory to such treatment. Other therapeutic regimes merely addresssymptoms (Rutgeerts, P. A, J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 17 Suppl: S176-185(2002); Rutgeerts, P., Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 17: 185-192 (2003)).

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the most common immune-mediated chronic skindiseases that comes in different forms and varied levels of severity,affecting approximately 2% of the population or more than 4.5 millionpeople in the United States of which 1.5 million are considered to havea moderate to severe form of the disease. Ten to thirty percent ofpatients with psoriasis also develop a form of arthritis-psoriaticarthritis, which damages the bone and connective tissue around thejoints. Psoriasis appears as patches of raised red skin covered by aflaky white buildup. It may also have a pimple-ish (pustular psoriasis)or burned (erythrodermic) appearance. Psoriasis may also cause intenseitching and burning. Patients suffer psychologically as well asphysically. Several modalities are currently available for treatment ofpsoriasis, including topical treatment, phototherapy, and systemicapplications. However, they are generally considered to be only diseasesuppressive and disease modifying; none of them are curative. Moreover,many treatments are either cosmetically undesirable, inconvenient forlong-term use, or associated with significant toxicity.

With increased understanding of the biological properties of psoriasisover the past two decades, biologic therapies targeting the activity ofT lymphocytes and cytokines responsible for the inflammatory nature ofthis disease have become available. Currently, drugs prescribed forpsoriasis include TNF-α inhibitors initially used for rheumatoidarthritis (RA) treatment, ENBREL® (etanercept), REMICADE® (infliximab)and HUMIRA® (adalimumab), and T-cell inhibitor AMEVIVE® (alefacept) fromBiogen approved in 2002 and RAPTIVA® (efalizumab) from Genentech/Xomaapproved in 2003 (Weinberg, J. M., J Drugs Dermatol, 1: 303-310,(2002)). AMEVIVE ALEFACEPT® is an immunoglobulin fusion protein composedof the first extracellular domain of human LFA-3 fused to the hinge,C(H)2 and C(H)3 domains of human IgG(1). It inhibits T cellproliferation through NK cells (Cooper, J. C., Eur J Immunol, 33:666-675, (2003)). RAPTIVA® is also known as anti-CD11a, a humanizedmonoclonal antibody which targets the T cell adhesion molecule,leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1). Prevention of LFA-1binding to its ligand (ICAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1)inhibits lymphocyte activation and migration, resulting in a decreasedlymphocyte infiltration, thereby limiting the cascade of eventseventually leading to the signs and symptoms of psoriasis (Cather, J.C., Expert Opin Biol Ther, 3: 361-370, (2003)). Potential side effectsfor current TNF-α inhibitors of the prior art, however, are severe,including development of lymphoma (Brown, S. L., Arthritis Rheum, 46:3151-3158, (2002)), worsening congestive heart failure, resulting in aserious infection and sepsis, and exacerbations of multiple sclerosisand central nervous system problems (Weisman, M. H., J Rheumatol Suppl,65: 33-38, (2002); Antoni, C., Clin Exp Rheumatol, 20: S152-157,(2002)). While side effects of the T-cell inhibitor of AMEVIVE®/RAPTIVA®may be more tolerable in psoriasis treatment, RAPTIVA® is animmunosuppressive agent. Immunosuppressive agents have the potential toincrease the risk of infection, reactivate latent, chronic infections orincrease the risk of cancer development.

Although many advances have been made in the understanding of thebiological properties of psoriasis over the past two decades and anunconventional treatment for psoriasis has become available as describedabove, much of the suffering it produces is still not adequatelyaddressed. A survey of over 40,000 American patients with psoriasisperformed by the National Psoriasis Foundation in 1998 showed 79% of theyounger patients felt frustrated by the ineffectiveness of theirtreatment. Of those with severe disease, 32% felt their treatment wasnot aggressive enough (Mendonca, C. O., Pharmacol Ther, 99: 133-147,(2003); Schon, M. P., J Invest Dermatol, 112: 405-410, (1999)).

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents another example of troublesomeinflammatory disorders. It is a common chronic inflammatory-relateddisease characterized by chronic inflammation in the membrane lining(the synovium) of the joints and/or other internal organs. Theinflammatory cells can also invade and damage bone and cartilage. Thejoint involved can lose its shape and alignment, resulting in loss ofmovement. Patients with RA have pain, stiffness, warmth, redness andswelling in the joint, and other systemic symptoms like fever, fatigue,and anemia. Approximately 1% of the population or 2.1 million in theU.S. are currently affected, of which more are women (1.5 million) thanmen (0.6 million). The pathology of RA is not fully understood althoughthe cascade of improper immunological reactions has been postulated as amechanism. Conventional treatment is unfortunately inefficient in RA(Bessis, N., J Gene Med, 4: 581-591, (2002)) (29). The disease does notrespond completely to symptomatic medications including corticosteroidsand non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used since the 1950s.Also, these medications carry a risk of serious adverse effects. Thetherapeutic effects of the disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs(DMARDs) such as Methotrexate (MTX) are often inconsistent andshort-lived.

A new class of biologic DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs)for the treatment of RA has recently been developed based on anunderstanding of the role of cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1, in theinflammatory process. The FDA has approved several such DMARDs includingENBREL® (etanercept) from Immunex/Amgen Inc. in 1998, REMICADE®(infliximab) from Centocor/Johnson & Johnson, HUMIRA® (adalimumab) fromAbbott Laboratories Inc. in 2002, and KINERET® (anakinra) from Amgen in2001. ENBREL® is a soluble TNF receptor (TNFR) recombinant protein.REMICADE® is a humanized mouse (chimeric) anti-TNF-α monoclonalantibody. HUMIRA® is a fully human anti-TNF monoclonal antibody createdusing phage display technology resulting in an antibody withhuman-derived heavy and light chain variable regions and human IgG1:kconstant regions. All these 3 protein-based drugs target and bind toTNF-α to block the effects of TNF-α. KINERET® is a recombinant IL-1receptor antagonist, which is similar to native human IL-1Ra, except forthe addition of a single methionine residue at its amino terminus.KINERET® blocks the biologic activity of IL-1 by competitivelyinhibiting IL-1 binding to the IL-1 type I receptor (IL-1RI) andconsequently reducing the pro-inflammatory effects of IL-1.

The treatment with these biologic DMARDs relieves symptoms, inhibits theprogression of structural damage, and improves physical function inpatients with moderate to severe active RA. The three marketed TNF-αblocking agents have similar efficacy when combined with MTX, a widelyused DMARD, in the treatment of patients with RA (Hochberg, M. C., AnnRheum Dis, 62 Suppl 2: ii13-16, (2003)). While providing significantefficacy and a good overall safety profile in the short and medium termin many patients with RA, these biologic treatments may create seriousproblems and long-term side effects, such as in the liver, and stillneed to be evaluated. There has been a disturbing association betweenthe use of both of ENBREL® or REMICADE® and the development of lymphoma,(S. L., Arthritis Rheum, 46: 3151-3158, (2002)). As described above,several reports have shown that patients treated with ENBREL® orREMICADE® worsen their congestive heart failure and develop seriousinfection and sepsis, and increase exacerbations of multiple sclerosisand other central nervous system problems (Antoni, C., Clin ExpRheumatol, 20: S152-157, (2002); Mendonca, C. O., Pharmacol Ther, 99:133-147, (2003)).

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease diagnosed in 350,000 to500,000 people in the United States. Multiple areas of inflammation andloss of myelin in the brain and spinal cord signify the disease.Patients with MS exhibit varied degrees of neurological impairmentdepending on the location and extent of the loss of the myelin. Commonsymptoms of MS include fatigue, weakness, spasticity, balance problems,bladder and bowel problems, numbness, vision loss, tremors anddepression. Current treatment of MS only alleviates symptoms or delaysthe progression of disability, and several new treatments for MSincluding stem cell transplantation and gene therapy are conservatory(Fassas, A., Blood Rev, 17: 233-240, (2003); Furlan, R., Curr Pharm Des,9: 2002-2008, (2003)). While anti-TNF antibodies have shown protectiveeffects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), theyaggravate the disease in MS patients, suggesting that inhibition ofTNF-α alone is not sufficient (Ghezzi, P., Neuroimmunomodulation, 9:178-182, (2001)).

Neurodegenerative Disorders

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PK) are the two mostcommon neurodegenerative disorders. AD seriously affects a person'sability to carry out daily activities. It involves the parts of thebrain that control thought, memory, and language. About 4 millionAmericans, usually after age 60, are estimated to suffer from AD.

PK is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system affectingover 1.5 million people in the United States. Clinically, the disease ischaracterized by a decrease in spontaneous movements, gait difficulty,postural instability, rigidity and tremor. PK is caused by thedegeneration of the pigmented neurons in the substantia nigra of thebrain, resulting in decreased dopamine availability. The causes of theseneurodegenerative disorders are unknown and there is currently no curefor the disease.

Thus, novel approaches for the treatment of the above and otherinflammatory-related diseases are needed. Although inflammatory-relateddisease mechanisms remain unclear and often vary from each other,dysfunction of the immune system caused by deregulation of cytokines hasbeen demonstrated to play an important role in the initiation andprogression of inflammation (Schon, M. P., J Invest Dermatol, 112:405-410, (1999); Andreakos, E. T., Cytokine Growth Factor Rev, 13:299-313, (2002); Najarian, D. J., J Am Acad Dermatol, 48: 805-821,(2003)).

Cytokines can be generally classified into 3 types: pro-inflammatory(IL-1α, β, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-23,TNF-α, LT, LIF, Oncostatin, and IFNc1α, β, γ); anti-inflammatory (IL-4,IL-10, IL-11, W-13 and TGF-β); and chemokines (IL-8, Gro-α, MIP-1,MCP-1, ENA-78, and RANTES).

In many inflammatory conditions, pro-inflammatory cytokines, especiallyTNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, as well as anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of variousinflammatory-related diseases and therefore may serve as potentialtherapeutic targets. For example, elevated levels of somepro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFNγ, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-12) andchemokines (IL-8, MCP-1 and RANTES) have been observed in severalinflammatory-related diseases such as CD, psoriasis, RA, Grave's diseaseand Hashimoto's thyroiditis (Andreakos, E. T., Cytokine Growth FactorRev, 13: 299-313, (2002)), which parallels an increase in soluble TNFreceptors, IL-1 receptor antagonists and the anti-inflammatory cytokineIL-10 (Noguchi, M., Gut, 43: 203-209, (1998); Autschbach, F., Am JPathol, 153: 121-130, (1998)). IL-10 has been shown to suppress elevatedpro-inflammatory cytokine production both in vitro in LPMC cultures andin vivo in patients (Schreiber, S., Gastroenterology, 108: 1434-1444,(1995)). Positive response of CD patients treated with IL-10demonstrates that there might also be an imbalance between theproduction of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in CD.

In summary, the approach of treating inflammatory-related diseases hasundergone an evolutionary change in recent years in part as aconsequence of growing concerns of the severity of these diseases and inpart due to considerable progress in the understanding of the importantrole of cytokines in their immuno-pathogenesis. The majority of theefforts have been focused on targeting TNF-α and IL-1 (Baugh, J. A.,Curr Opin Drug Discov Devel, 4: 635-650, (2001)), and several products(TNF-α inhibitors: infliximab, a monoclonal anti-TNF-α antibody; andetanercept, the p75 TNF-α receptor) are currently marketed or inclinical trials for the treatment of RA, psoriasis and IBD as mentionedabove. Several other drug candidates or strategies targeting IL-1(Gabay, C., Curr Opin Investig Drugs, 4: 593-597, (2003)), IL-6 or IL-10are under development (Gabay, C., Curr Opin Investig Drugs, 4: 593-597,(2003); Palladino, M. A., Nat Rev Drug Discov, 2: 736-746, (2003);Girolomoni, G., Curr Opin Investig Drugs, 3: 1590-1595, (2002)). Thesebiological treatments provide significant efficacy in the short andmedium term in many patients with RA (Elliott, M. J., Lancet, 344:1125-1127, (1994); Moreland, L. W., N Engl J Med, 3377: 141-147, (1997);Campion, G. V., Arthritis Rheum, 39: 1092-1101, (1996); Feldmann, M.,Nat Immunol, 2: 771-773, (2001)). Although these drugs are welltolerated and have a good overall safety profile, there remains a needin the art for additional drugs which can inhibit pro-inflammatorycytokines or stimulate anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Based on this concept, we examined several types of small molecules totest their ability in the regulation of multiple cytokines and exploredtheir potential clinical applications for the treatment of a variety ofinflammatory-related diseases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of treating orpreventing an inflammatory-related disease in a human or an animal, saidmethod comprising administering to the human or the animal atherapeutically effective amount of a compound described herein. In anexemplary embodiment, the compound is a member selected from C1-C100. Inan exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure according toFormula I:

wherein B is boron. R^(1a) is a member selected from a negative charge,a salt counterion, H, cyano, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. M isa member selected from oxygen, sulfur and NR^(2a). R^(2a) is a memberselected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. J is amember selected from (CR^(3a)R^(4a))_(n1) and CR^(5a), R^(3a), R^(4a),and R^(5a) are members independently selected from H, cyano, substitutedor unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl. The index n1 is an integer selected from 0 to2. W is a member selected from C═O (carbonyl), (CR^(6a)R^(7a))_(m1) andCR^(8a), R^(6a), R^(7a), and R^(8a) are members independently selectedfrom H, cyano, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. Theindex m1 is an integer selected from 0 and 1. A is a member selectedfrom CR^(9a) and N. D is a member selected from CR^(10a) and N. E is amember selected from CR^(11a) and N. G is a member selected fromCR^(12a) and N. R^(9a), R^(10a), R^(11a) and R^(12a) are membersindependently selected from H, OR*, NR*R**, SR*, —S(O)R*, —S(O)₂R*,—S(O)₂NR*R**, —C(O)R*, —C(O)OR*, —C(O)NR*R**, nitro, halogen, cyano,substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, andsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. Each R* and R** are membersindependently selected from H, nitro, halogen, cyano, substituted orunsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl. The combination of nitrogens (A+D+E+G) is aninteger selected from 0 to 3. A member selected from R^(3a), R^(4a) andR^(5a) and a member selected from R^(6a), R^(7a) and R^(8a), togetherwith the atoms to which they are attached, are optionally joined to forma 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(3a) and R^(4a), together with the atoms towhich they are attached, are optionally joined to form a 4 to 7 memberedring. R^(6a) and R^(7a), together with the atoms to which they areattached, are optionally joined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(9a)and R^(10a), together with the atoms to which they are attached, areoptionally joined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(10a) and R^(11a)together with the atoms to which they are attached, are optionallyjoined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(11a) and R^(12a), togetherwith the atoms to which they are attached, are optionally joined to forma 4 to 7 membered ring.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of treating orpreventing an inflammatory-related disease in a human or an animal, saidmethod comprising administering to the human or the animal atherapeutically effective amount of a compound having a structureaccording to Formula II:

wherein B is boron. R²⁰, R²¹ and R²² are members independently selectedfrom a negative charge, a salt counterion, H, substituted orunsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl. A is a member selected from CR^(9a) and N. Dis a member selected from CR^(10a) and N. E is a member selected fromCR^(11a) and N. G is a member selected from CR^(12a) and N. R^(9a),R^(10a), R^(11a) and R^(12a) are members independently selected from H,OR*, NR*R**, SR*, —S(O)R*, —S(O)₂R*, —S(O)₂NR*R**, —C(O)R*, —C(O)OR*,—C(O)NR*R**, nitro, halogen, cyano, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. EachR* and R** are members independently selected from H, nitro, halogen,cyano, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, andsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. The combination of nitrogens(A+D+E+G) is an integer selected from 0 to 3. A member selected fromR^(3a), R^(4a) and R^(5a) and a member selected from R^(6a), R^(7a) andR^(8a), together with the atoms to which they are attached, areoptionally joined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(3a) and R^(4a),together with the atoms to which they are attached, are optionallyjoined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(6a) and R^(7a), together withthe atoms to which they are attached, are optionally joined to form a 4to 7 membered ring. R^(9a) and R^(10a), together with the atoms to whichthey are attached, are optionally joined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring.R^(10a) and R^(11a) together with the atoms to which they are attached,are optionally joined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(11a) andR^(12a), together with the atoms to which they are attached, areoptionally joined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring.

The invention also provides additional methods of using the compoundsand pharmaceutical formulations of the compounds described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A-FIG. 1B describe the degree to which the compounds of theinvention inhibited each of four cytokines: TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, andIL-4.

FIG. 2A-FIG. 2K display exemplary compounds of the invention.

FIG. 3A-FIG. 3H display exemplary compounds of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Definitions and Abbreviations

The abbreviations used herein generally have their conventional meaningwithin the chemical and biological arts.

“Compound of the invention,” as used herein refers to the compoundsdiscussed herein, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs ofthese compounds.

“Inhibiting” and “blocking,” are used interchangeably herein to refer tothe partial or full blockade of the expression of a pro-inflammatorycytokine by a method of the invention, which leads to a decrease in theamount of the cytokine in the subject or patient.

Where substituent groups are specified by their conventional chemicalformulae, written from left to right, they equally encompass thechemically identical substituents, which would result from writing thestructure from right to left, e.g., —CH₂O—is intended to also recite—OCH₂—.

The term “poly” as used herein means at least 2. For example, apolyvalent metal ion is a metal ion having a valency of at least 2.

“Moiety” refers to the radical of a molecule that is attached to anothermoiety.

The symbol

, whether utilized as a bond or displayed perpendicular to a bond,indicates the point at which the displayed moiety is attached to theremainder of the molecule.

The term “alkyl,” by itself or as part of another substituent, means,unless otherwise stated, a straight or branched chain, or cyclichydrocarbon radical, or combination thereof, which may be fullysaturated, mono- or polyunsaturated and can include di- and multivalentradicals, having the number of carbon atoms designated (i.e. C₁-C₁₀means one to ten carbons). Examples of saturated hydrocarbon radicalsinclude, but are not limited to, groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, cyclohexyl,(cyclohexyl)methyl, cyclopropylmethyl, homologs and isomers of, forexample, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, and the like. Anunsaturated alkyl group is one having one or more double bonds or triplebonds. Examples of unsaturated alkyl groups include, but are not limitedto, vinyl, 2-propenyl, crotyl, 2-isopentenyl, 2-(butadienyl),2,4-pentadienyl, 3-(1,4-pentadienyl), ethynyl, 1- and 3-propynyl,3-butynyl, and the higher homologs and isomers. The term “alkyl,” unlessotherwise noted, is also meant to include those derivatives of alkyldefined in more detail below, such as “heteroalkyl.” Alkyl groups thatare limited to hydrocarbon groups are termed “homoalkyl”.

The term “alkylene” by itself or as part of another substituent means adivalent radical derived from an alkane, as exemplified, but notlimited, by —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and further includes those groups describedbelow as “heteroalkylene.” Typically, an alkyl (or alkylene) group willhave from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, with those groups having 10 or fewercarbon atoms being preferred in the present invention. A “lower alkyl”or “lower alkylene” is a shorter chain alkyl or alkylene group,generally having eight or fewer carbon atoms.

The terms “alkoxy,” “alkylamino” and “alkylthio” (or thioalkoxy) areused in their conventional sense, and refer to those alkyl groupsattached to the remainder of the molecule via an oxygen atom, an aminogroup, or a sulfur atom, respectively.

The term “heteroalkyl,” by itself or in combination with another term,means, unless otherwise stated, a stable straight or branched chain, orcyclic hydrocarbon radical, or combinations thereof, consisting of thestated number of carbon atoms and at least one heteroatom. In anexemplary embodiment, the heteroatoms can be selected from the groupconsisting of B, O, N and S, and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur atomsmay optionally be oxidized and the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally bequatemized. The heteroatom(s) B, O, N and S may be placed at anyinterior position of the heteroalkyl group or at the position at whichthe alkyl group is attached to the remainder of the molecule. Examplesinclude, but are not limited to, —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂—NH—CH₃,—CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₃, —CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂, —S(O)—CH₃,—CH₂—CH₂—S(O)₂—CH₃, —CH═CH—O—CH₃, —CH₂—CH═N—OCH₃, and —CH═CH—N(CH₃)—CH₃.Up to two heteroatoms may be consecutive, such as, for example,—CH₂—NH—OCH₃. Similarly, the term “heteroalkylene” by itself or as partof another substituent means a divalent radical derived fromheteroalkyl, as exemplified, but not limited by, —CH₂—CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₂— and—CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₂—NH—CH₂—. For heteroalkylene groups, heteroatoms can alsooccupy either or both of the chain termini (e.g., alkyleneoxy,alkylenedioxy, alkyleneamino, alkylenediamino, and the like). Stillfurther, for alkylene and heteroalkylene linking groups, no orientationof the linking group is implied by the direction in which the formula ofthe linking group is written. For example, the formula —C(O)₂R′—represents both —C(O)₂R′— and —R′C(O)₂—.

The terms “cycloalkyl” and “heterocycloalkyl”, by themselves or incombination with other terms, represent, unless otherwise stated, cyclicversions of “alkyl” and “heteroalkyl”, respectively. Additionally, forheterocycloalkyl, a heteroatom can occupy the position at which theheterocycle is attached to the remainder of the molecule. Examples ofcycloalkyl include, but are not limited to, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,1-cyclohexenyl, 3-cyclohexenyl, cycloheptyl, and the like. Examples ofheterocycloalkyl include, but are not limited to,1-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridyl), 1-piperidinyl, 2-piperidinyl,3-piperidinyl, 4-morpholinyl, 3-morpholinyl, tetrahydrofuran-2-yl,tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, tetrahydrothien-2-yl, tetrahydrothien-3-yl,1-piperazinyl, 2-piperazinyl, and the like.

The terms “halo” or “halogen,” by themselves or as part of anothersubstituent, mean, unless otherwise stated, a fluorine, chlorine,bromine, or iodine atom. Additionally, terms such as “haloalkyl,” aremeant to include monohaloalkyl and polyhaloalkyl. For example, the term“halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl” is mean to include, but not be limited to,trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 4-chlorobutyl, 3-bromopropyl, andthe like.

The term “aryl” means, unless otherwise stated, a polyunsaturated,aromatic, substituent that can be a single ring or multiple rings(preferably from 1 to 3 rings), which are fused together or linkedcovalently. The term “heteroaryl” refers to aryl groups (or rings) thatcontain from one to four heteroatoms. In an exemplary embodiment, theheteroatom is selected from B, N, O, and S, wherein the nitrogen andsulfur atoms are optionally oxidized, and the nitrogen atom(s) areoptionally quatemized. A heteroaryl group can be attached to theremainder of the molecule through a heteroatom. Non-limiting examples ofaryl and heteroaryl groups include phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl,4-biphenyl, 1-pyrrolyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrazolyl,2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, pyrazinyl, 2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl,2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl, 3-isoxazolyl, 4-isoxazolyl,5-isoxazolyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl,2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 2-pyrimidyl,4-pyrimidyl, 5-benzothiazolyl, purinyl, 2-benzimidazolyl, 5-indolyl,1-isoquinolyl, 5-isoquinolyl, 2-quinoxalinyl, 5-quinoxalinyl,3-quinolyl, and 6-quinolyl. Substituents for each of the above notedaryl and heteroaryl ring systems are selected from the group ofacceptable substituents described below.

For brevity, the term “aryl” when used in combination with other terms(e.g., aryloxy, arylthioxy, arylalkyl) includes both aryl and heteroarylrings as defined above. Thus, the term “arylalkyl” is meant to includethose radicals in which an aryl group is attached to an alkyl group(e.g., benzyl, phenethyl, pyridylmethyl and the like) including thosealkyl groups in which a carbon atom (e.g., a methylene group) has beenreplaced by, for example, an oxygen atom (e.g., phenoxymethyl,2-pyridyloxymethyl, 3-(1-naphthyloxy)propyl, and the like).

Each of the above terms (e.g., “alkyl,” “heteroalkyl,” “aryl” and“heteroaryl”) are meant to include both substituted and unsubstitutedforms of the indicated radical. Preferred substituents for each type ofradical are provided below.

Substituents for the alkyl and heteroalkyl radicals (including thosegroups often referred to as alkylene, alkenyl, heteroalkylene,heteroalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, andheterocycloalkenyl) are generically referred to as “alkyl groupsubstituents,” and they can be one or more of a variety of groupsselected from, but not limited to: —OR′, ═O, ═NR′, ═N—OR′, —NR′R″, —SR′,-halogen, —OC(O)R′, —C(O)R′, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —OC(O)NR′R″, —NR″C(O)R′,—NR′—C(O)NR″R″″, —NR″C(O)₂R′, —NR—C(NR′R″R′″)═NR″″, —NR—C(NR′R″)═NR′″,—S(O)R′, —S(O)₂R′, —S(O)₂NR′R″, —NRSO₂R′, —CN and —NO₂ in a numberranging from zero to (2m′+1), where m′ is the total number of carbonatoms in such radical. R′, R″, R″′ and R″″ each preferably independentlyrefer to hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted aryl, e.g., aryl substituted with 1-3 halogens,substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy or thioalkoxy groups, orarylalkyl groups. When a compound of the invention includes more thanone R group, for example, each of the R groups is independently selectedas are each R′, R″, R′″ and R″″ groups when more than one of thesegroups is present. When R′ and R″ are attached to the same nitrogenatom, they can be combined with the nitrogen atom to form a 5-, 6-, or7-membered ring. For example, —NR′R″ is meant to include, but not belimited to, 1-pyrrolidinyl and 4-morpholinyl. From the above discussionof substituents, one of skill in the art will understand that the term“alkyl” is meant to include groups including carbon atoms bound togroups other than hydrogen groups, such as haloalkyl (e.g., —CF₃ and—CH₂CF₃) and acyl (e.g., —C(O)CH₃, —C(O)CF₃, —C(O)CH₂OCH₃, and thelike).

Similar to the substituents described for the alkyl radical,substituents for the aryl and heteroaryl groups are generically referredto as “aryl group substituents.” The substituents are selected from, forexample: halogen, —OR′, ═O, ═NR′, ═N—OR′, —NR′R″, —SR′, -halogen,—OC(O)R′, —C(O)R′, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —OC(O)NR′R″, —NR″C(O)R′,—NR′—C(O)NR″R″′, —NR″C(O)₂R′, —NR—C(NR′R″R′″)═NR″″, —NR—C(NR′R″)═NR″′,—S(O)R′, —S(O)₂R′, —S(O)₂NR′R″, —NRSO₂R′, —CN and —NO₂, —R′, —N₃,—CH(Ph)₂, fluoro(C₁-C₄)alkoxy, and fluoro(C₁-C₄)alkyl, in a numberranging from zero to the total number of open valences on the aromaticring system; and where R′, R″, R″′ and R″″ are preferably independentlyselected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl andsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. When a compound of theinvention includes more than one R group, for example, each of the Rgroups is independently selected as are each R′, R″, R″′ and R″″ groupswhen more than one of these groups is present.

Two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ringmay optionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula-T-C(O)—(CRR′)_(q)—U—, wherein T and U are independently —NR—, —O—,—CRR′— or a single bond, and q is an integer of from 0 to 3.Alternatively, two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl orheteroaryl ring may optionally be replaced with a substituent of theformula -A-(CH₂)_(r)—B—, wherein A and B are independently —CRR′—, —O—,—NR—, —S—, —S(O)—S(O)₂—, —S(O)₂NR′— or a single bond, and r is aninteger of from 1 to 4. One of the single bonds of the new ring soformed may optionally be replaced with a double bond. Alternatively, twoof the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring mayoptionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula—(CRR′)_(s)—X—(CR″R″′)_(d)—, where s and d are independently integers offrom 0 to 3, and X is —O—, —NR′—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, or —S(O)₂NR′—.The substituents R, R′, R″ and R″′ are preferably independently selectedfrom hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted (C₁-C₆)alkyl.

“Ring” as used herein means a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. A ringincludes fused ring moieties. The number of atoms in a ring is typicallydefined by the number of members in the ring. For example, a “5- to7-membered ring” means there are 5 to 7 atoms in the encirclingarrangement. The ring optionally included a heteroatom. Thus, the term“5- to 7-membered ring” includes, for example pyridinyl and piperidinyl.The term “ring” further includes a ring system comprising more than one“ring”, wherein each “ring” is independently defined as above.

As used herein, the term “heteroatom” includes atoms other than carbon(C) and hydrogen (H). Examples include oxygen (O), nitrogen (N) sulfur(S), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), aluminum (Al) and boron (B).

The symbol “R” is a general abbreviation that represents a substituentgroup that is selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkyl and substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl groups.

By “effective” amount of a drug, formulation, or permeant is meant asufficient amount of a active agent to provide the desired local orsystemic effect. A “Topically effective,” “Cosmetically effective,”“pharmaceutically effective,” or “therapeutically effective” amountrefers to the amount of drug needed to effect the desired therapeuticresult.

“Topically effective” refers to a material that, when applied to theskin, nail, hair, claw or hoof produces a desired pharmacological resulteither locally at the place of application or systemically as a resultof transdermal passage of an active ingredient in the material.

“Cosmetically effective” refers to a material that, when applied to theskin, nail, hair, claw or hoof, produces a desired cosmetic resultlocally at the place of application of an active ingredient in thematerial.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” is meant to include saltsof the compounds of the invention which are prepared with relativelynontoxic acids or bases, depending on the particular substituents foundon the compounds described herein. When compounds of the presentinvention contain relatively acidic functionalities, base addition saltscan be obtained by contacting the neutral form of such compounds with asufficient amount of the desired base, either neat or in a suitableinert solvent. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable base additionsalts include sodium, potassium, calcium, ammonium, organic amino, ormagnesium salt, or a similar salt. When compounds of the presentinvention contain relatively basic functionalities, acid addition saltscan be obtained by contacting the neutral form of such compounds with asufficient amount of the desired acid, either neat or in a suitableinert solvent. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable acid additionsalts include those derived from inorganic acids like hydrochloric,hydrobromic, nitric, carbonic, monohydrogencarbonic, phosphoric,monohydrogenphosphoric, dihydrogenphosphoric, sulfuric,monohydrogensulfuric, hydriodic, or phosphorous acids and the like, aswell as the salts derived from relatively nontoxic organic acids likeacetic, propionic, isobutyric, maleic, malonic, benzoic, succinic,suberic, fumaric, lactic, mandelic, phthalic, benzenesulfonic,p-tolylsulfonic, citric, tartaric, methanesulfonic, and the like. Alsoincluded are salts of amino acids such as arginate and the like, andsalts of organic acids like glucuronic or galactunoric acids and thelike (see, for example, Berge et al., “Pharmaceutical Salts”, Journal ofPharmaceutical Science 66: 1-19 (1977)). Certain specific compounds ofthe present invention contain both basic and acidic functionalities thatallow the compounds to be converted into either base or acid additionsalts.

The neutral forms of the compounds are preferably regenerated bycontacting the salt with a base or acid and isolating the parentcompounds in the conventional manner. The parent form of the compounddiffers from the various salt forms in certain physical properties, suchas solubility in polar solvents.

In addition to salt forms, the present invention provides compoundswhich are in a prodrug form. Prodrugs of the compounds or complexesdescribed herein readily undergo chemical changes under physiologicalconditions to provide the compounds of the present invention.Additionally, prodrugs can be converted to the compounds of the presentinvention by chemical or biochemical methods in an ex vivo environment.

Certain compounds of the present invention can exist in unsolvated formsas well as solvated forms, including hydrated forms. In general, thesolvated forms are equivalent to unsolvated forms and are encompassedwithin the scope of the present invention. Certain compounds of thepresent invention may exist in multiple crystalline or amorphous forms.In general, all physical forms are equivalent for the uses contemplatedby the present invention and are intended to be within the scope of thepresent invention.

Certain compounds of the present invention possess asymmetric carbonatoms (optical centers) or double bonds; the racemates, diastereomers,geometric isomers and individual isomers are encompassed within thescope of the present invention.

The compounds of the present invention may also contain unnaturalproportions of atomic isotopes at one or more of the atoms thatconstitute such compounds. For example, the compounds may beradiolabeled with radioactive isotopes, such as for example tritium(³H), iodine-125 (¹²⁵I) or carbon-14 (¹⁴C). All isotopic variations ofthe compounds of the present invention, whether radioactive or not, areintended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” or “pharmaceuticallyacceptable vehicle” refers to any formulation or carrier medium thatprovides the appropriate delivery of an effective amount of a activeagent as defined herein, does not interfere with the effectiveness ofthe biological activity of the active agent, and that is sufficientlynon-toxic to the host or patient. Representative carriers include water,oils, both vegetable and mineral, cream bases, lotion bases, ointmentbases and the like. These bases include suspending agents, thickeners,penetration enhancers, and the like. Their formulation is well known tothose in the art of cosmetics and topical pharmaceuticals. Additionalinformation concerning carriers can be found in Remington: The Scienceand Practice of Pharmacy, 21st Ed., Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins(2005) which is incorporated herein by reference.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable topical carrier” and equivalent terms referto pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, as described herein above,suitable for topical application. An inactive liquid or cream vehiclecapable of suspending or dissolving the active agent(s), and having theproperties of being nontoxic and non-inflammatory when applied to theskin, nail, hair, claw or hoof is an example of apharmaceutically-acceptable topical carrier. This term is specificallyintended to encompass carrier materials approved for use in topicalcosmetics as well.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable additive” refers to preservatives,antioxidants, fragrances, emulsifiers, dyes and excipients known or usedin the field of drug formulation and that do not unduly interfere withthe effectiveness of the biological activity of the active agent, andthat is sufficiently non-toxic to the host or patient. Additives fortopical formulations are well-known in the art, and may be added to thetopical composition, as long as they are pharmaceutically acceptable andnot deleterious to the epithelial cells or their function. Further, theyshould not cause deterioration in the stability of the composition. Forexample, inert fillers, anti-irritants, tackifiers, excipients,fragrances, opacifiers, antioxidants, gelling agents, stabilizers,surfactant, emollients, coloring agents, preservatives, bufferingagents, other permeation enhancers, and other conventional components oftopical or transdermal delivery formulations as are known in the art.

The terms “enhancement,” “penetration enhancement” or “permeationenhancement” relate to an increase in the permeability of the skin,nail, hair, claw or hoof to a drug, so as to increase the rate at whichthe drug permeates through the skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof. Theenhanced permeation effected through the use of such enhancers can beobserved, for example, by measuring the rate of diffusion of the drugthrough animal or human skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof using a diffusioncell apparatus. A diffusion cell is described by Merritt et al.Diffusion Apparatus for Skin Penetration, J of Controlled Release, 1(1984) pp. 161-162. The term “permeation enhancer” or “penetrationenhancer” intends an agent or a mixture of agents, which, alone or incombination, act to increase the permeability of the skin, nail, hair orhoof to a drug.

The term “excipients” is conventionally known to mean carriers, diluentsand/or vehicles used in formulating drug compositions effective for thedesired use.

The term “topical administration” refers to the application of apharmaceutical agent to the external surface of the skin, nail, hair,claw or hoof, such that the agent crosses the external surface of theskin, nail, hair, claw or hoof and enters the underlying tissues.Topical administration includes application of the composition to intactskin, nail, hair, claw or hoof, or to an broken, raw or open wound ofskin, nail, hair, claw or hoof. Topical administration of apharmaceutical agent can result in a limited distribution of the agentto the skin and surrounding tissues or, when the agent is removed fromthe treatment area by the bloodstream, can result in systemicdistribution of the agent.

The term “transdermal delivery” refers to the diffusion of an agentacross the barrier of the skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof resulting fromtopical administration or other application of a composition. Thestratum comeum acts as a barrier and few pharmaceutical agents are ableto penetrate intact skin. In contrast, the epidermis and dermis arepermeable to many solutes and absorption of drugs therefore occurs morereadily through skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof that is abraded orotherwise stripped of the stratum corneum to expose the epidermis.Transdermal delivery includes injection or other delivery through anyportion of the skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof or mucous membrane andabsorption or permeation through the remaining portion. Absorptionthrough intact skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof can be enhanced by placingthe active agent in an appropriate pharmaceutically acceptable vehiclebefore application to the skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof. Passivetopical administration may consist of applying the active agent directlyto the treatment site in combination with emollients or penetrationenhancers. As used herein, transdermal delivery is intended to includedelivery by permeation through or past the integument, i.e. skin, nail,hair, claw or hoof.

II. Introduction

The present invention is directed to methods of treatinginflammatory-related diseases associated with pro-inflammatory cytokineexpression and/or reduced anti-inflammatory expression. The methods ofthe present invention involve administering to a human or an animal inneed of such treatment one or more compounds of the invention, eitheralone or as part of a pharmaceutical formulation. In a preferredembodiment, the compound being administered is in an amount sufficientto treat the inflammatory-related disease by inhibiting pro-inflammatorycytokine expression and/or by stimulating anti-inflammatory cytokines,but less than sufficient to substantially inhibit cyclin dependentkinases (CDKs).

III. Compounds of Use in the Invention

In a first aspect, the invention provides a compound described herein.In an exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure according toFormula I:

wherein B is boron. R^(1a) is a member selected from a negative charge,a salt counterion, H, cyano, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. M isa member selected from oxygen, sulfur and NR^(2a). R^(2a) is a memberselected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. J is amember selected from (CR^(3a)R^(4a))_(n1) and CR⁵a. R^(3a), R^(4a), andR^(5a) are members independently selected from H, cyano, substituted orunsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl. The index n1 is an integer selected from 0 to2. W is a member selected from C═O (carbonyl), (CR^(6a)R^(7a))_(m1) andCR^(8a). R^(6a), R^(7a), and R^(8a) are members independently selectedfrom H, cyano, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. Theindex m1 is an integer selected from 0 and 1. A is a member selectedfrom CR^(9a) and N. D is a member selected from CR^(10a) and N. E is amember selected from CR^(11a) and N. G is a member selected fromCR^(12a) and N. R^(9a), R^(10a), R^(11a) and R^(12a) are membersindependently selected from H, OR*, NR*R**, SR*, —S(O)R*, —S(O)₂R*,—S(O)₂NR*R**, —C(O)R*, —C(O)OR*, —C(O)NR*R**, nitro, halogen, cyano,substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, andsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. Each R* and R** are membersindependently selected from H, nitro, halogen, cyano, substituted orunsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl. The combination of nitrogens (A+D+E+G) is aninteger selected from 0 to 3. A member selected from R^(3a), R^(4a) andR^(5a) and a member selected from R^(6a), R^(7a) and R^(8a), togetherwith the atoms to which they are attached, are optionally joined to forma 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(3a) and R^(4a), together with the atoms towhich they are attached, are optionally joined to form a 4 to 7 memberedring. R⁶ and R^(7a), together with the atoms to which they are attached,are optionally joined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(9a) andR^(10a), together with the atoms to which they are attached, areoptionally joined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(10a) and R^(11a),together with the atoms to which they are attached, are optionallyjoined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(11a) and R^(12a), togetherwith the atoms to which they are attached, are optionally joined to forma 4 to 7 membered ring.

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure according toFormula (Ia):

In another exemplary embodiment, each R^(3a) and R^(4a) is a memberindependently selected from H, cyano, substituted or unsubstitutedmethyl, substituted or unsubstituted ethyl, trifluoromethyl, substitutedor unsubstituted hydroxymethyl, substituted or unsubstitutedhydroxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, substituted orunsubstituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstituted mercaptomethyl,substituted or unsubstituted mercaptoalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedaminomethyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkylaminomethyl, substitutedor unsubstituted dialkylaminomethyl, substituted or unsubstitutedarylaminomethyl, substituted or unsubstituted indolyl and substituted orunsubstituted amido. In another exemplary embodiment, each R^(3a) andR^(4a) is a member independently selected from cyano, substituted orunsubstituted methyl, substituted or unsubstituted ethyl,trifluoromethyl, substituted or unsubstituted hydroxymethyl, substitutedor unsubstituted hydroxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl,substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstitutedmercaptomethyl, substituted or unsubstituted mercaptoalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted aminomethyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkylaminomethyl, substituted or unsubstituted dialkylaminomethyl,substituted or unsubstituted arylaminomethyl, substituted orunsubstituted indolyl, substituted or unsubstituted amido.

In another exemplary embodiment, each R^(3a) and R^(4a) is a memberselected from H, substituted or unsubstituted methyl, substituted orunsubstituted ethyl, substituted or unsubstituted propyl, substituted orunsubstituted isopropyl, substituted or unsubstituted butyl, substitutedor unsubstituted t-butyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl andsubstituted or unsubstituted benzyl. In another exemplary embodiment,R^(3a) and R^(4a) is a member selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, phenyl and benzyl. In another exemplaryembodiment, R^(3a) is H and R^(4a) is a member selected from methyl,ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, phenyl and benzyl. In anotherexemplary embodiment, R^(3a) is H and R^(4a) H.

In another exemplary embodiment, each R^(9a), R^(10a), R^(11a) andR^(12a) is a member independently selected from H, OR*, NR*R**, SR*,—S(O)R*, —S(O)₂R*, —S(O)₂NR*R**, —C(O)R*, —C(O)OR*, —C(O)NR*R**,halogen, cyano, nitro, substituted or unsubstituted methoxy, substitutedor unsubstituted methyl, substituted or unsubstituted ethoxy,substituted or unsubstituted ethyl, trifluoromethyl, substituted orunsubstituted hydroxymethyl, substituted or unsubstituted hydroxyalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, substituted or unsubstitutedphenyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyloxy, substituted orunsubstituted phenyl methoxy, substituted or unsubstitutedthiophenyloxy, substituted or unsubstituted pyridinyloxy, substituted orunsubstituted pyrimidinyloxy, substituted or unsubstituted benzylfuran,substituted or unsubstituted methylthio, substituted or unsubstitutedmercaptomethyl, substituted or unsubstituted mercaptoalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted phenylthio, substituted or unsubstitutedthiophenylthio, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl methylthio,substituted or unsubstituted pyridinylthio, substituted or unsubstitutedpyrimidinylthio, substituted or unsubstituted benzylthiofuranyl,substituted or unsubstituted phenylsulfonyl, substituted orunsubstituted benzylsulfonyl, substituted or unsubstitutedphenylmethylsulfonyl, substituted or unsubstituted thiophenylsulfonyl,substituted or unsubstituted pyridinylsulfonyl, substituted orunsubstituted pyrimidinylsulfonyl, substituted or unsubstitutedsulfonamidyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenylsulfinyl, substitutedor unsubstituted benzylsulfinyl, substituted or unsubstitutedphenylmethylsulfinyl, substituted or unsubstituted thiophenylsulfinyl,substituted or unsubstituted pyridinylsulfinyl, substituted orunsubstituted pyrimidinylsulfinyl, substituted or unsubstituted amino,substituted or unsubstituted alkylamino, substituted or unsubstituteddialkylamino, substituted or unsubstituted trifluoromethylamino,substituted or unsubstituted aminomethyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkylaminomethyl, substituted or unsubstituted dialkylaminomethyl,substituted or unsubstituted arylaminomethyl, substituted orunsubstituted benzylamino, substituted or unsubstituted phenylamino,substituted or unsubstituted thiophenylamino, substituted orunsubstituted pyridinylamino, substituted or unsubstitutedpyrimidinylamino, substituted or unsubstituted indolyl, substituted orunsubstituted morpholino, substituted or unsubstituted alkylamido,substituted or unsubstituted arylamido, substituted or unsubstitutedureido, substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl, and substituted orunsubstituted piperizinyl. In an exemplary embodiment, R^(9a), R^(10a),R^(11a) and R^(12a) are selected from the previous list of substituentswith the exception of —C(O)R*, —C(O)OR*, —C(O)NR*R**.

In another exemplary embodiment, R^(9a), R^(10a), R^(11a) and R^(12a)are members independently selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, nitro,cyano, amino, methyl, hydroxylmethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy,trifluoromethyoxy, ethyl, diethylcarbamoyl, pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl,pyridin-4-yl, pyrimidinyl, piperizino, piperizinyl, piperizinocarbonyl,piperizinylcarbonyl, carboxyl, 1-tetrazolyl, 1-ethoxycarbonylmethoxy,carboxymethoxy, thiophenyl, 3-(butylcarbonyl) phenylmethoxy,1H-tetrazol-5-yl, 1-ethoxycarbonylmethyloxy-, 1-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-,1-ethoxycarbonyl-, carboxymethoxy-, thiophen-2-yl, thiophen-2-ylthio-,thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-3-ylthio, 4-fluorophenylthio,butylcarbonylphenylmethoxy, butylcarbonylphenylmethyl,butylcarbonylmethyl, 1-(piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)methyl,1-(piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)methoxy, 1-(piperidin-2-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(piperidin-3-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)methyl,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl,1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl),1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonylmethyl,(1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)-methoxy),1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl, 1H-indol-1-yl, morpholino-,morpholinyl, morpholinocarbonyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, phenylureido,phenylcarbamoyl, acetamido, 3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl,3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl, benzylamino,5-methoxy-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl,5-methoxy-3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)), 5-chloro-1H-indol-1-yl,5-chloro-3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1l-yl)), dibenzylamino,benzylamino, 5-chloro-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)),4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy, 4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl,4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenylthio, 2-cyanophenoxy, 3-cyanophenoxy,4-cyanophenoxy, 2-cyanophenylthio, 3-cyanophenylthio, 4-cyanophenylthio,2-chlorophenoxy, 3-chlorophenoxy, 4-chlorophenoxy, 2-fluorophenoxy,3-fluorophenoxy, 4-fluorophenoxy, 2-cyanobenzyloxy, 3-cyanobenzyloxy,4-cyanobenzyloxy, 2-chlorobenzyloxy, 3-chlorobenzyloxy,4-chlorobenzyloxy, 2-fluorobenzyloxy, 3-fluorobenzyloxy,4-fluorobenzyloxy, unsubstituted phenyl, unsubstituted benzyl. In anexemplary embodiment, R^(9a) is H and R^(12a) is H.

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound according to Formula (I) orFormula (Ia) is a member selected from:

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure according toone of Formulae I-Io with substituent selections for R^(9a), R^(10a),R^(11a) and R^(12a) including all the possibilities contained inparagraph 69 except for H. In an exemplary embodiment, the compound hasa structure according to one of Formulae Ib-Io with substituentselections for R^(9a), R^(10a), R^(11a) and R^(12a) including all thepossiblities contained in paragraph 70 except for H.

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound has a formula according toFormulae (Ib)-(Ie) wherein R^(1a) is a member selected from H, anegative charge and a salt counterion and the remaining R group (R^(9a)in Ib, R^(10a) in Ic, R^(11a) in Id, and R^(12a) in Ie) is a memberselected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, nitro, cyano, amino, methyl,hydroxylmethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, trifluoromethyoxy, ethyl,diethylcarbamoyl, pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl, pyridin-4-yl, pyrimidinyl,piperizino, piperizinyl, piperizinocarbonyl, piperizinylcarbonyl,carboxyl, 1-tetrazolyl, 1-ethoxycarbonylmethoxy, carboxymethoxy,thiophenyl, 3-(butylcarbonyl) phenylmethoxy, 1H-tetrazol-5-yl,1-ethoxycarbonylmethyloxy-, 1-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-, 1-ethoxycarbonyl-,carboxymethoxy-, thiophen-2-yl, thiophen-2-ylthio-, thiophen-3-yl,thiophen-3-ylthio, 4-fluorophenylthio, butylcarbonylphenylmethoxy,butylcarbonylphenylmethyl, butylcarbonylmethyl,1-(piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)methyl, 1-(piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(piperidin-2-yl)carbonyl)methoxy, 1-(piperidin-3-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)methyl,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl,1-4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl,1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl),1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonylmethyl,(1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)-methoxy),1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl, 1H-indol-1-yl, morpholino-,morpholinyl, morpholinocarbonyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, phenylureido,phenylcarbamoyl, acetamido, 3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl,3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl, benzylamino,5-methoxy-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl,5-methoxy-3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)), 5-chloro-1H-indol-1-yl,5-chloro-3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)), dibenzylamino,benzylamino, 5-chloro-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)),4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy, 4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl,4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenylthio, 2-cyanophenoxy, 3-cyanophenoxy,4-cyanophenoxy, 2-cyanophenylthio, 3-cyanophenylthio, 4-cyanophenylthio,2-chlorophenoxy, 3-chlorophenoxy, 4-chlorophenoxy, 2-fluorophenoxy,3-fluorophenoxy, 4-fluorophenoxy, 2-cyanobenzyloxy, 3-cyanobenzyloxy,4-cyanobenzyloxy, 2-chlorobenzyloxy, 3-chlorobenzyloxy,4-chlorobenzyloxy, 2-fluorobenzyloxy, 3-fluorobenzyloxy and4-fluorobenzyloxy.

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound has a formula according toFormulae (If)-(Ik) wherein R^(1a) is a member selected from H, anegative charge and a salt counterion and each of the remaining two Rgroups (R^(9a) and R^(10a) in If, R^(9a) and R^(11a) in Ig, R^(9a) andR^(12a) in Ih, R^(10a) and R^(11a) in Ii, R^(10a) and R^(12a) in Ij,R^(11a) and R^(12a) in Ik) is a member independently selected fromfluoro, chloro, bromo, nitro, cyano, amino, methyl, hydroxylmethyl,trifluoromethyl, methoxy, trifluoromethyoxy, ethyl, diethylcarbamoyl,pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl, pyridin-4-yl, pyrimidinyl, piperizino,piperizinyl, piperizinocarbonyl, piperizinylcarbonyl, carboxyl,1-tetrazolyl, 1-ethoxycarbonylmethoxy, carboxymethoxy, thiophenyl,3-(butylcarbonyl) phenylmethoxy, 1H-tetrazol-5-yl,1-ethoxycarbonylmethyloxy-, 1-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-, 1-ethoxycarbonyl-,carboxymethoxy-, thiophen-2-yl, thiophen-2-ylthio-, thiophen-3-yl,thiophen-3-ylthio, 4-fluorophenylthio, butylcarbonylphenylmethoxy,butylcarbonylphenylmethyl, butylcarbonylmethyl,1-(piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)methyl, 1-(piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(piperidin-2-yl)carbonyl)methoxy, 1-(piperidin-3-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)methyl,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl,1-4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl,1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl),1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonylmethyl,(1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)-methoxy),1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl, 1H-indol-1-yl, morpholino-,morpholinyl, morpholinocarbonyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, phenylureido,phenylcarbamoyl, acetamido, 3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl,3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl, benzylamino,5-methoxy-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl,5-methoxy-3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)), 5-chloro-1H-indol-1-yl,5-chloro-3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)), dibenzylamino,benzylamino, 5-chloro-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)),4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy, 4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl,4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenylthio, 2-cyanophenoxy, 3-cyanophenoxy,4-cyanophenoxy, 2-cyanophenylthio, 3-cyanophenylthio, 4-cyanophenylthio,2-chlorophenoxy, 3-chlorophenoxy, 4-chlorophenoxy, 2-fluorophenoxy,3-fluorophenoxy, 4-fluorophenoxy, 2-cyanobenzyloxy, 3-cyanobenzyloxy,4-cyanobenzyloxy, 2-chlorobenzyloxy, 3-chlorobenzyloxy,4-chlorobenzyloxy, 2-fluorobenzyloxy, 3-fluorobenzyloxy, and4-fluorobenzyloxy.

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound has a formula according toFormulae (Il)-(Io) wherein R^(1a) is a member selected from H, anegative charge and a salt counterion and each of the remaining three Rgroups (R^(9a), R^(10a), R^(11a) in (Il), R^(9a), R^(10a), R^(12a) in(Im), R^(9a), R^(11a), R^(12a) in (In), R^(10a), R^(11a), R^(12a) in(Io)) is a member independently selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo,nitro, cyano, amino, methyl, hydroxylmethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy,trifluoromethyoxy, ethyl, diethylcarbamoyl, pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl,pyridin-4-yl, pyrimidinyl, piperizino, piperizinyl, piperizinocarbonyl,piperizinylcarbonyl, carboxyl, 1-tetrazolyl, 1-ethoxycarbonylmethoxy,carboxymethoxy, thiophenyl, 3-(butylcarbonyl) phenylmethoxy,1H-tetrazol-5-yl, 1-ethoxycarbonylmethyloxy-, 1-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-,1-ethoxycarbonyl-, carboxymethoxy-, thiophen-2-yl, thiophen-2-ylthio-,thiophen-3-yl, thiophen-3-ylthio, 4-fluorophenylthio,butylcarbonylphenylmethoxy, butylcarbonylphenylmethyl,butylcarbonylmethyl, 1-(piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)methyl,1-(piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl)methoxy, 1-(piperidin-2-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(piperidin-3-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)methoxy,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)methyl,1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl,1-4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl,1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl),1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonylmethyl,(1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl)-methoxy),1-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl, 1H-indol-1-yl, morpholino-,morpholinyl, morpholinocarbonyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, phenylureido,phenylcarbamoyl, acetamido, 3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl,3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl, benzylamino,5-methoxy-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl,5-methoxy-3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)), 5-chloro-1H-indol-1-yl,5-chloro-3-(2-cyanoethylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)), dibenzylamino,benzylamino, 5-chloro-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)),4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy, 4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl,4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenylthio, 2-cyanophenoxy, 3-cyanophenoxy,4-cyanophenoxy, 2-cyanophenylthio, 3-cyanophenylthio, 4-cyanophenylthio,2-chlorophenoxy, 3-chlorophenoxy, 4-chlorophenoxy, 2-fluorophenoxy,3-fluorophenoxy, 4-fluorophenoxy, 2-cyanobenzyloxy, 3-cyanobenzyloxy,4-cyanobenzyloxy, 2-chlorobenzyloxy, 3-chlorobenzyloxy,4-chlorobenzyloxy, 2-fluorobenzyloxy, 3-fluorobenzyloxy, and4-fluorobenzyloxy.

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound of the invention has astructure which is a member selected from:

in which q is a number between 0 and 1. R^(g) is halogen. R^(a), R^(b),R^(c), R^(d) and R^(e) are members independently selected from a memberselected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. In anexemplary embodiment, there is a proviso that the compound is not amember selected from

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure is a memberselected from:

In an exemplary embodiment, R^(a), R^(d) and R^(e) are each membersindependently selected from:

In an exemplary embodiment, R^(b) and R^(c) are members independentlyselected from H, methyl,

In another exemplary embodiment, R^(b) is H and R^(c) is a memberselected from: H, methyl,

In another exemplary embodiment, R^(b) and R^(c) are, together with thenitrogen to which they are attached, optionally joined to form a memberselected from

In an exemplary embodiment, R^(a) is a member selected from

In an exemplary embodiment, R^(d) is a member selected from

In an exemplary embodiment, R^(e) is a member selected from

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound is a member selected from

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure which isdescribed in FIGS. 2A-2K. In an exemplary embodiment, the compound has astructure which is described in FIGS. 3A-3H.

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure according to amember selected from Formulae I(b), I(c), I(d), and I(e) wherein saidremaining R group (R^(9a) for I(b), R^(10a) for I(c), R^(1l)a for I(d)and R^(12a) for I(e)) is carboxymethoxy.

In an exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure which is amember selected from Formulae (If)-(Ik), wherein either R^(9a) orR^(10a) for Formula (If), either R^(9a) or R^(10a) for Formula (Ig),either R^(9a) or R^(12a) for Formula (Ih), either R^(10a) or R^(11a) forFormula (Ii), either R^(10a) or R^(12a) for Formula (Ij), either R^(11a)or R^(12a) for Formula (Ik) is halogen, and the other substituent in thepairing (ex. if R^(9a) is F in Formula (If), then R^(10a) is selectedfrom the following substituent listing), is a member selected from NH₂,N(CH₃)H, and N(CH₃)₂.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure which is amember selected from:

in which R* and R** are members selected from: H, substituted orunsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl. In an exemplary embodiment, the compound is amember selected from

wherein R^(1a) is a member selected from a negative charge, H and a saltcounterion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure which is amember selected from:

wherein q is 1 and R^(g) is a member selected from fluoro, chloro andbromo.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compounds and embodiments describedabove in Formulae (I)-(Io) can form a hydrate with water, a solvate withan alcohol (e.g. methanol, ethanol, propanol); an adduct with an aminocompound (e.g. ammonia, methylamine, ethylamine); an adduct with an acid(e.g. formic acid, acetic acid); complexes with ethanolamine, quinoline,amino acids, and the like.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure accordingto Formula (Ip):

in which R^(x2) is a member selected from substituted or unsubstitutedC₁-C₅ alkyl and substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₅ heteroalkyl. R^(y2)and R^(z2) are members independently selected from H, substituted orunsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure accordingto Formula (Iq):

wherein B is boron. R^(x2) is a member selected from substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₅ alkyl and substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₅heteroalkyl. R^(y2) and R^(z2) are members independently selected fromH, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, andsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. In another exemplaryembodiment, at least one member selected from R^(3a), R^(4a), R^(5a),R^(6a), R^(7a), R^(8a), R^(9a), R^(10a), R^(11a) and R^(12a) is a memberselected from nitro, cyano and halogen.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure which is amember selected from the following Formulae:

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a formula according toFormulae (Ib)-(Ie) wherein at least one member selected from R^(3a),R^(4a), R^(5a), R^(6a), R^(7a)R^(8a), R^(9a), R^(10a), R^(11a) andR^(12a) is a member selected from nitro, cyano, fluro, chloro, bromo andcyanophenoxy. In another exemplary embodiment, the compound is a memberselected from

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound is a member selected from

In another exemplary embodiment, the invention provides poly- ormutli-valent species of the compounds of the invention. In an exemplaryembodiment, the invention provides a dimer of the compounds describedherein. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a dimer ofthe compounds described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, theinvention provides a dimer of a compound which is a member selected fromC1-C100. In an exemplary embodiment the dimer is a member selected from

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides an anhydride of thecompounds described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the inventionprovides an anhydride of the compounds described herein. In an exemplaryembodiment, the invention provides an anhydride of a compound which is amember selected from C1-C100. In an exemplary embodiment the anhydrideis a member selected from

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a trimer of thecompounds described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the inventionprovides a trimer of the compounds described herein. In an exemplaryembodiment, the invention provides a trimer of a compound which is amember selected from C1-C100. In an exemplary embodiment the trimer is amember selected from

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure which is amember selected from:

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound is

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound is a member selected from:

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound is a member selected from:

In another exemplary embodiment, R^(1a) is H. In another exemplaryembodiment, R^(10a) and R^(11a) are H. In another exemplary embodiment,one member selected from R^(10a) and R^(11a) is H and the other memberselected from R^(10a) and R^(11a) is a member selected from halogen,methyl, cyano, methoxy, hydroxymethyl and p-cyanophenyloxy. In anotherexemplary embodiment, R^(10a) and R^(11a) are members independentlyselected from fluoro, chloro, methyl, cyano, methoxy, hydroxymethyl, andp-cyanophenyl.

Additional compounds which are useful in the methods of the inventionare disclosed in U.S. Prov. Pat. App. 60/654,060; Filed Feb. 16, 2005(Attorney Docket No. 064507-5014PR); U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/357,687, Filed Feb. 16, 2006 (Attorney Docket No. 064507-5014US);U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/505,591, Filed Aug. 16, 2006(Attorney Docket No. 064507-5014US01), which are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes. Methods of producing thecompounds of the invention are also described in these patentapplications.

IIIa. Compositions of Matter

The invention also provides novel compositions of matter. In anexemplary embodiment, the composition of matter is described herein. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the composition of matter has a structureaccording to Formula II:

wherein B is boron. R²⁰, R²¹ and R²² are members independently selectedfrom a negative charge, a salt counterion, H, substituted orunsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl. A is a member selected from CR^(9a) and N. Dis a member selected from CR^(10a) and N. E is a member selected fromCR^(11a) and N. G is a member selected from CR^(12a) and N. R^(9a),R^(10a), R^(11a) and R^(12a) are members independently selected from H,OR*, NR*R**, SR*, —S(O)R*, —S(O)₂R*, —S(O)₂NR*R**, —C(O)R*, —C(O)OR*,—C(O)NR*R**, nitro, halogen, cyano, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. EachR* and R** are members independently selected from H, nitro, halogen,cyano, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, andsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. The combination of nitrogens(A+D+E+G) is an integer selected from 0 to 3. R^(9a) and R^(10a),together with the atoms to which they are attached, are optionallyjoined to form a 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(10a) and R^(11a), togetherwith the atoms to which they are attached, are optionally joined to forma 4 to 7 membered ring. R^(11a) and R^(12a), together with the atoms towhich they are attached, are optionally joined to form a 4 to 7 memberedring.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure accordingto Formula (IIa):

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure accordingto the following formula:

wherein R^(10z) is a member selected from substituted or unsubstitutedcyanophenoxy and substituted or unsubstituted cyanophenylthio and R²² isa member selected from H, substituted or unsubstituted methyl,substituted or unsubstituted ethyl and substituted or unsubstitutedpropyl. In an exemplary embodiment, R^(10z) is a member selected frompara-cyanophenoxy and paracyanophenylthio. In an exemplary embodiment,R²⁰ and R²¹ are members independently selected from a negative charge, asalt counterion and H.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure which is amember selected from:

wherein R²² is a member selected from H, substituted or unsubstitutedmethyl, substituted or unsubstituted ethyl and substituted orunsubstituted propyl. In an exemplary embodiment, R²⁰ and R²¹ aremembers independently selected from a negative charge, a salt counterionand H.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure which is amember selected from:

In an exemplary embodiment, R²² is H. In an exemplary embodiment, R²² issubstituted or unsubstituted methyl. In an exemplary embodiment, R²² ismethyl. In an exemplary embodiment, R²⁰ and R²¹ are membersindependently selected from a negative charge, a salt counterion and H.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structure which is amember selected from:

In an exemplary embodiment, R²² is H. In an exemplary embodiment, R²² issubstituted or unsubstituted methyl. In an exemplary embodiment, R²² ismethyl.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compound is a member selected from:

The compounds described herein can be synthesized by a similar route tothat used in the synthesis of the oxaboroles (2) described herein.However, the synthesis of the phenylboronic acid and phenylbromideprecursors is simplified by the absence of a protectedortho-hydroxymethyl group present on (1). Therefore, in many cases, asimilar range of ortho-, meta- and para-substituted boronic acids (4)can be synthesized.

Examples of the production of these boronic acids are provided in theExamples section. Additionally, phenylthio derivatives can besynthesized by using the phenyloxy derivative protocols and substitutingthe phenolic reactant with its thiophenolic analog. For example,4-(4-cyanophenylthio)phenylboronic acid can be synthesized using theprotocol for 4-(4-cyanophenoxy)phenylboronic acid described herein andsubstituting 4-bromothiophenol for 4-bromophenol.

In another exemplary embodiment, the composition of matter describedherein can be used in a method of the invention described herein. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method oftreating or preventing an inflammatory-related disease in a human or ananimal, said method comprising administering to the human or the animala therapeutically effective amount of a compound described herein insection IIIa. In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has astructure according to Formula II or Formula IIa. In another exemplaryembodiment, the compound has a structure which is a member selectedfrom:

In another exemplary embodiment, the method further comprisesadministering said compound as part of a pharmaceutical formulation,said formulation further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient. In another exemplary embodiment, the compound described insection IIIa is in an amount sufficient to treat theinflammatory-related disease by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokineexpression or by stimulating anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, butthe amount is less than sufficient to substantially inhibit cyclindependent kinases. In another exemplary embodiment, the disease is amember selected from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatorybowel disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerativedisorder, congestive heart failure, stroke, aortic valve stenosis,kidney failure, lupus, pancreatitis, allergy, fibrosis, anemia,atherosclerosis, a metabolic disease, a bone disease, a cardiovasculardisease, a chemotherapy/radiation related complication, diabetes type I,diabetes type II, a liver disease, a gastrointestinal disorder, anophthamological disease, allergic conjunctivitis, diabetic retinopathy,Sjogren's syndrome, uvetitis, a pulmonary disorder, a renal disease,dermatitis, HIV-related cachexia, cerebral malaria, ankylosingspondolytis, leprosy, anemia and fibromyalgia. In another exemplaryembodiment, the disease is actinic keratosis. In another exemplaryembodiment, the disease is atopic dermatitis. In another exemplaryembodiment, the compound has a structure which is a member selectedfrom:

In another exemplary embodiment, the neurodegenerative disorder is amember selected from Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson disease, theinflammatory bowel disease is a member selected from Crohn's disease oruncerative colitis; the gastrointestinal complication is diarrhea; theliver disease is a member selected from an autoimmune hepatitis,hepatitis C, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitisand fulminant liver failure; the gastrointestinal disorder is a memberselected from celiac disease and non-specific colitis; the pulmonarydisorder is a member selected from allergic rhinitis, asthma, chronicobstructive pulmonary disease, chronic granulomatous inflammation,cystic fibrosis, and sarcoidosis; the cardiovascular disease is a memberselected from atheroscleotic cardiac disease, congestive heart failureand restenosis; and the renal disease is a member selected fromglomerulpnephritis and vasculitis. In another exemplary embodiment, thecompound is administered at a concentration sufficient to inhibit acytokine which is a member selected from IL-1α, β, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6,IL-7, IL-9, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-23, TNF-α, LT, LIF, Oncostatin, andIFNc1α, β, γ. In another exemplary embodiment, the compound isadministered at a concentration sufficient to stimulate expression of acytokine which is a member selected from IL-4, IL-10, IL-11, W-13 andTGF-β. In another exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a methodof treating an inflammatory-related disease associated with cytokineexpression levels, which comprises administering to a human or an animalin need of such treatment a compound described in section IIIa. In anexemplary embodiment, the compound is in an amount sufficient to treatthe inflammatory-related disease by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokineexpression or by stimulating anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, butthe amount is less than sufficient to substantially inhibit cyclindependent kinases. In an exemplary embodiment, the animal is a humanbeing. In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structurewhich is a member selected from:

In another exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method forinhibiting the production of an inflammatory cytokine protein by cellscapable of producing said inflammatory cytokine protein, said methodcomprising: combining said cells with a therapeutic amount of a compoundof section IIIa, wherein production of said inflammatory cytokine bysaid cells is inhibited. In another exemplary embodiment, thetherapeutic amount is sufficient to inhibit the production of saidinflammatory cytokine protein between about 50% and about 99%. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method forinhibiting an inflammatory response in a human or an animal, said methodcomprising: contacting said human or animal with a therapeutic amount ofa compound in section IIIa, wherein said inflammatory response isinhibited. In another exemplary embodiment, the compound has a structurewhich is a member selected from:

IV. Therapeutic Indications of the Compounds of the Invention

It should be understood that the present methods include, but are notlimited to, treating an inflammatory-related disease with a compound ofthe invention.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods of preventing ortreating diseases mediated by cytokines which comprise administering toa subject in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amountof a compound of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the compoundis a member selected from C1-C100. In an exemplary embodiment, thecompound is 5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole.Such cytokine-mediated diseases include periodontitis, dry eye disease,rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerativecolitis, psoriatic arthritis, traumatic arthritis, rubella arthritis,inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, graft versushost disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, toxic shock syndrome,irritable bowel syndrome, muscle degeneration, allograft rejections,pancreatitis, insulinitis, glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy,renal fibrosis, chronic renal failure, gout, leprosy, acute synovitis,Reiter's syndrome, gouty arthritis, Behcet's disease, spondylitis,endometriosis, non-articular inflammatory conditions, such asintervertbral disk syndrome conditions, bursitis, tendonitis,tenosynovitis or fibromyalgic syndrome; and acute or chronic pain,including but not limited to neurological pain, neuropathies,polyneuropathies, diabetes-related polyneuropathies, trauma, migraine,tension and cluster headache, Horton's disease, varicose ulcers,neuralgias, musculo-skeletal pain, osteo-traumatic pain, fractures,algodystrophy, spondylarthritis, fibromyalgia, phantom limb pain, backpain, vertebral pain, post-surgery pain, herniated intervertebraldisc-induced sciatica, cancer-related pain, vascular pain, visceralpain, childbirth, or HIV-related pain. Other cytokine mediated diseasesare allergy, a metabolic disease, a chemotherapy/radiation relatedcomplication; diabetes type I; diabetes type II; a liver disease; agastrointestinal disorder; an ophthamological disease; allergicconjunctivitis; diabetic retinopathy; Sjogren's syndrome; uvetitis; apulmonary disorder, a renal disease; dermatitis; HIV-related cachexia;cerebral malaria; ankylosing spondolytis; leprosy; anemia; fibromyalgia,kidney failure, stroke, chronic heart failure, endotoxemia, reperfusioninjury, ischemia reperfusion, myocardial ischemia, restenosis,thrombosis, angiogenesis, Coronary Heart Disease, Coronary ArteryDisease, acute coronary syndrome, Takayasu arteritis, cardiac failuresuch as heart failure, aortic valve stenosis, cardiomyopathy,myocarditis, vasculitis, vascular restenosis, valvular disease orcoronary artery bypass; hypercholesteremia, diseases or conditionsrelated to blood coagulation or fibrinolysis, such as for example, acutevenous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, thrombosis during pregancy,hemorrhagic skin necrosis, acute or chronic disseminated intravascularcoagulation (DIC), clot formation from surgery, long bed rest or longperiods of immobilization, venous thrombosis, fulminant meningococcemia,acute thrombotic strokes, acute coronary occlusion, acute peripheralarterial occlusion, massive pulmonary embolism, axillary veinthrombosis, massive iliofemoral vein thrombosis, occluded arterial orvenous cannulae, cardiomyopathy, venoocclusive disease of the liver,hypotension, decreased cardiac output, decreased vascular resistance,pulmonary hypertension, diminished lung compliance, leukopenia orthrombocytopenia; or atherosclerosis. Yet others are allergicconjunctivitis, uveitis, glaucoma, optic neuritis, retinal ischemia,diabetic retinopathy, laser induced optic damage, or surgery ortrauma-induced proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Cytokine mediateddiseases further include allergic rhinitis, asthma, adult respiratorydistress syndrome, chronic pulmonary inflammation, chronic obstructivepulmonary disease, emphysema, bronchitis, mucus hypersecretion,silicosis, SARS infection and respiratory tract inflammation. Alsoincluded are psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis,or acne. Yet other cytokine mediated diseases are Guillain-Barresyndrome, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer'sdisease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and otherdemyelinating diseases, viral and bacterial meningitis, CNS trauma,spinal cord injury, seizures, convulsions, olivopontocerebellar atrophy,AIDS dementia complex, MERRF and MELAS syndromes, Leber's disease,Wemicke's encephalophathy, Rett syndrome, homocysteinuria,hyperprolinemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, nonketotic hyperglycinemia,hydroxybutyric aminoaciduria, sulfite oxidase deficiency, combinedsystems disease, lead encephalopathy, Tourett's syndrome, hepaticencephalopathy, drug addiction, drug tolerance, drug dependency,depression, anxiety and schizophrenia, aneurism, or epilepsy. In anotheraspect of the invention, the cytokine mediated diseases include boneresorption diseases, osteopetrosis, osteoporosis, or osteoarthritis.Also included are diabetes, systemic cachexia, cachexia secondary toinfection or malignancy, cachexia secondary to acquired immunedeficiency syndrome (AIDS), obesity, anorexia or bulimia nervosa.Additonally, the cytokine mediated disease can be sepsis, HIV, HCV,malaria, infectious arthritis, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, cancer,including but not limited to breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer,prostatic cancer, multiple myeloma, acute myelogenous leukemia,myelodysplastic syndrome, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or follicular lymphoma,Castleman's disease, or drug resistance.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods of treatingneutrophil-mediated diseases which comprise administering to a subjectin need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of the invention, wherein the neutrophil-mediated disease isbronchial asthma, rhinitis, influenza, stroke, myocardial infarction,thermal injury, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multipleorgan injury secondary to trauma, acute glomerulonephritis, dermatoseswith acute inflammatory components, acute purulent meningitis,hemodialysis, leukopheresis, granulocyte transfusion associatedsyndromes, or necrotizing enterocolitis.

Preferably the neurodegenerative disorder is selected from the groupconsisting of: Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson disease; theinflammatory bowel disease is selected from the group consisting of:Crohn's disease or uncerative colitis; the gastrointestinal complicationis diarrhea; the liver disease is selected from the group consisting of:an autoimmune hepatitis, hepatitis C, primary biliary cirrhosis, primarysclerosing cholangitis, or fulminant liver failure; the gastrointestinaldisorder is selected from the group consisting of: celiac disease andnon-specific colitis; the bone disease is osteoporosis; the pulmonarydisorder is selected from the group consisting of: allergic rihinitis,asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic granulomatousinflammation, cystic fibrosis, and sarcoidosis; the cardiovasculardisease is selected from the group consisting of: atheroscleotic cardiacdisease, congestive heart failure and restenosis; and the renal diseaseis selected from the group consisting of: glomerulpnephritis andvasculitis.

In a preferred embodiment the disease is inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), specifically including Crohn's disease and uncerative colitis. Inanother preferred embodiment the disease being treated is arthritis,rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinsondisease. In yet another preferred embodiment the disease ispost-radiotherapy related disease or atherosclerosis. In yet anotherpreferred embodiment the disease is atopic dermatitis. In yet anotherpreferred embodiment the disease is actinic keratosis.

Preferably the compound is in an amount to inhibit pro-inflammatorycytokine expression and/or to stimulate anti-inflammatory cytokineexpression. In an exemplary embodiment, the compound is a memberselected from C1-C100. In an exemplary embodiment, the compound is5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole. In oneembodiment, the compound is preferably in an amount to inhibit at least30 to 100% expression of one or more of the pro-inflammatory cytokinesselected from the group consisting of: IL-1α, β, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-7,IL-9, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-23, TNF-α, LT, LIF, Oncostatin, andIFNc1α, β, γ. In an exemplary embodiment, the compound is in an amountto inhibit at least 40 to 100% expression of one or more of thepro-inflammatory cytokines. In an exemplary embodiment, the compound isin an amount to inhibit at least 50 to 100% expression of one or more ofthe pro-inflammatory cytokines. In an exemplary embodiment, the compoundis in an amount to inhibit at least 60 to 100%. In an exemplaryembodiment, the compound is in an amount to inhibit at least 70 to 100%.In an exemplary embodiment, the compound is in an amount to inhibit atleast 30 to 70% expression of one or more of the pro-inflammatorycytokines. In an exemplary embodiment, the compound is in an amount toinhibit at least 40 to 90% expression of one or more of thepro-inflammatory cytokines. In an exemplary embodiment, the compound isin an amount to inhibit at least 45 to 80% expression of one or more ofthe pro-inflammatory cytokines. In an exemplary embodiment, the compoundis in an amount to inhibit at least 55 to 75% expression of one or moreof the pro-inflammatory cytokines. In an exemplary embodiment, thecompound is in an amount to inhibit at least 75 to 98% expression of oneor more of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. In an exemplary embodiment,the compound is in an amount to inhibit between about 50% and about 99%expression of one or more of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. In anotherembodiment, the compound is preferably in an amount to stimulateanti-inflammatory cytokine expression. In this embodiment, the compoundis preferably in an amount to increase the anti-inflammatory cytokineselected from the group consisting of: cytokine IL-4, IL-10, IL-11, W-13or TGF-β by at least 25%, more preferably at least 50%, and mostpreferably at least 75%.

This invention provides a method of using a class of boron-containingsmall molecules for the treatment of various inflammatory-relateddiseases in humans or animals. In an exemplary embodiment, the smallmolecule is a compound described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, thecompound is a member selected from C1-C100. In an exemplary embodiment,the compound is5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole. Theseinflammatory-related diseases include, but are not limited toinflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA),multiple sclerosis (MS), neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovasculardisease (CVD) and atherosclerosis, and metabolic disease (the metabolicsyndrome and diabetes) as well as infection-related inflammation.

The invention also provides a method of treating an inflammatory-relateddisease associated with cytokine expression levels, which comprisesadministering to a human or an animal in need of such treatment thecompound of the invention.

The invention also provides a method wherein the animal being treated isa member selected from a human, a horse, a cow and a pig. In anexemplary embodiment, the animal is a human.

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method ofinhibiting a cytokine that is a member selected from IL-1β, IL-4, TNF-αand IFNγ. In this method, the cytokine is contacted with a compound ofthe invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the compound is a memberselected from C1-C100. In an exemplary embodiment, the compound is5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole. Tumornecrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) are proinflammatorycytokines that mediate inflammatory responses associated with infectiousagents and other cellular stresses. Overproduction of cytokines such asIL-1 and TNF-α is believed to underlie the progression of manyinflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn'sdisease, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, endotoxinshock, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, congestive heart failure, andpsoriasis among others (Dinarello, C. A. et al., Rev. Infect. Diseases1984, 6:51; Salituro et al., Curr. Med. Chem. 1999, 6:807-823; Henry etal., Drugs Fut. 1999, 24:1345-1354). An accepted therapeutic approachfor potential drug intervention in these conditions is the reduction ofproinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α (also referred to as TNFa) andinterleukin-1β (IL-1b).

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD comprises Crohn's disease (CD) andulcerative colitis (UC), which are two overlapping chronicinflammatory-related diseases of the gastrointestinal tract caused bydysregulation of the immune system (Rutgeerts, P., Aliment PharmacolTher, 17: 185-192 (2003)). Patients with IBD have defective intestinalepithelial barrier function, which allows bacterial colonization of theepithelia. As a result, bacterial products and pro-inflammatorycytokines (TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6) cause persistent inflammatorystimulation. Bacterial antigens are introduced into the immune system bymucosal dendritic cells and macrophases. In response, intestinalphagocytes (mainly monocytes and neutrophils) proliferate and increaseexpression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Psoriasis: Cytokines are intercellular messengers that have an importantrole in the development and maintenance of cutaneous inflammation. Anumber of cytokines have been reported to play crucial roles in thepathogenesis of inflammatory skin disorders. IL-1, TNF-α, and IFN-γinduce expression of ICAM−1 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)class II (Dustin, M. L., J Immunol, 137: 245-254, (1986); Strange, P., JInvest Dermatol, 102: 150-154, (1994)). IL-1, TNF-α, andgranulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulation factor are able to induceactivation, maturation, and migration of dendritic cells, and IL-1activates mast cells (50). IL-6 and TGF-α enhance keratinocyteproliferation. IL-1, TNF-α, TGF-α, and VEGF induce angiogenesis andattract inflammatory cells (Grossman, R. M., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 86:6367-6371, (1989); Schreiber, A. B., Science, 232: 1250-1253, (1986);Detmar, M., J Exp Med, 180: 1141-1146, (1994)). The primacy of cytokinesin eliciting cutaneous immune responses makes them a highly attractivetarget for new biological response modifiers (Williams, J. D., Clin ExpDermatol, 27: 585-590, (2002)).

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): The role of the cytokine network in mediatinginflammation and joint destruction in RA has been extensivelyinvestigated in recent years. In addition to TNF-α, IL-1 plays a pivotalrole in the pathogenesis and the clinical manifestations of RA (54). Theability of IL-1 to drive inflammation and joint erosion and to inhibittissue repair processes has been clearly established in in vitro systemsand in animal models, and alleviation of inflammatory symptoms in RApatients has been achieved by blockage of IL-1 (Bresnihan, B., ArthritisRheum, 41: 2196-2204, (1998)). IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine thatregulates the immune response, hematopoiesis, the acute phase response,and inflammation. Deregulation of IL-6 production is implicated in thepathology of several diseases including RA. A therapeutic approach toblock the IL-6 signal has been carried out by using humanized anti-IL-6Rantibody for RA among other diseases (Ito, H., Curr Drug Targets InflammAllergy, 2: 125-130, (2003); Ishihara, K Cytokine Growth Factor Rev, 13:357-368, (2002)). IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. ExpressingIL-10 has been shown to prevent arthritis or ameliorate the disease inanimal models (57, 58). While it is obvious that cytokines such asTNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-10 have independent roles, they act in concertin mediating certain pathophysiological processes in RA. The finding ofa class of molecules described in this invention, which are able tomodulate these different cytokines, will result in dramatic therapeuticprogress in the treatment of RA.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder.Although the cause of the body attacking its own myelin in MS patientsremains unclear, deregulated cytokines are clearly involved in theprocess of the disease. Using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE), a widely used model for studies of MS based on autoimmune,histopathological, genetic and clinical similarities, it has been shownthat in the early active stage, both EAE and MS are characterized by thepresence of perivascular inflammatory cuffs disseminated in the CNS, aprocess in which chemoattractant cytokines (chemokines) play animportant role. There is evidence that the expression of chemokines(IL-8 family members) during CNS autoimmune inflammation is regulated bysome pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF (Glabinski, A. R., Scand JImmunol, 58: 81-88, (2003)). The roles of other pro-/anti-inflammatorycytokines such as IL-1.beta., IL-6 and IL-10 were also confirmed in EAEanimal models (Diab, A., J Neuropathol Exp Neurol, 56: 641-650, (1997);Samoilova, E. B., J Immunol, 161: 6480-6486, (1998); Robertson, J., JCell Biol, 155: 217-226, (2001)) as well as in humans (de Jong, B. A., JNeuroimmunol, 126: 172-179, (2002)). IL-1β is present in MS lesions.IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) moderates the induction ofexperimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Increased risk of MShas been seen in individuals with High IL-1 (3 over IL-1Ra productionratio and high TNF over IL-10 production ratio (de Jong, B. A., JNeuroimmunol, 126: 172-179, (2002)).

Neurodegenerative disorders: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson'sdisease (PK) are the 2 most common neurodegenerative disorders relatedto neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation is a characteristic ofpathologically affected tissue in several neurodegenerative disorders.These changes are particularly observed in affected brain areas of ADcases (McGeer, E. G., Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry, 27:741-749, (2003)). The role of cytokines has been implicated in thepathogenesis of AD, although the mechanism by which cytokines contributeto the pathogenesis is not fully understood. In AD, microglia,especially those associated with amyloid deposits, have a phenotype thatis consistent with a state of activation, including immunoreactivitywith antibodies to class II major histocompatibility antigens and toinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and TNF-α (Dickson, D. W., Glia, 7: 75-83,(1993)). One of the major neuropathological characteristics of AD is thebrain deposition of senile plaques that are mainly composed of toxicamyloid beta-peptide (Abeta), which is generated from a family of Abetacontaining precursor proteins (AbetaPP). Cytokines have been shown tostimulate gene expression of transcription of AbetaPP. Analysis ofgenetic linkage of loci controlling age-at-onset in AD and PK revealed asignificant association of AD with glutathione S-transferase, omega-1and 2 (GSTO1, GSTO2) genes. The function of GSTO1 appears related to thepost-translational processing of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β(Laliberte, R. E., J Biol Chem, 278: 16567-16578, (2003)).

Post-radiotherapy related Inflammation: Radiation damage relatedinflammatory diseases to the rectum and sigmoid colon are most commoncomplications with radiation therapy for cancers in the pelvic region,which include cancers of the cervix, uterus, prostate, bladder, andtestes. Radiation proctosigmoiditis is the most common clinicallyapparent form of colonic damage after pelvic irradiation with anincidence of 5% to 20%. Patients typically exhibit symptoms of tenesmus,bleeding, low-volume diarrhea, and rectal pain. Rarely, low-gradeobstruction or fistulous tracts into adjacent organs may develop.

The mechanism of radiation therapy is through its damage to DNA inactively proliferating cells. The pathological damages after localizedradiation therapy to the intestine/colon can be divided into acute andchronic phases. The initial pathological changes include a loss oflymphocytes in the lamina propria and microscopic damage to mucosalepithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells. These changes manifestas villous blunting and a decrease in crypt regenerative cells and arefollowed by marked submucosal edema with increase of vascularpermeability.

Progressive endarteritis appears to be the major mechanism by which thechronic effects occur, which later manifest as progressive fibrosisleading to mucosal atrophy, stricture formation, and thrombosis, causingsecondary ischemic damage. Radiation colitis in the chronic phasedemonstrates a very significant crypt distortion, vasculartelangiectasia, and fibrosis of the lamina propria. Interestingly, someof these pathological changes are also present in long-standing IBD(Haboubi, N. Y., J Clin Pathol, 45: 272, (1992).

Thus, cytokines may play a key role among various gastrointestinaldiseases in which inflammation exhibits a significant part. Recentstudies have focused on the crucial role of cytokines in chronic IBD(Brynskov, J., Gut, 33: 55-58, (1992); Matsuura, T., Gastroenterology,104: 448-458, (1993); Beagley, K. W., Gastroenterol Clin North Am, 21:347-366, (1992); MacDermott, R. P., Med Clin North Am, 78: 1207-1231,(1994); Isaacs, K. L., Gastroenterology, 103: 1587-1595, (1992);Indaram, A. V., World J Gastroenterol, 6: 49-52, (2000)). To elucidatethe role of cytokines in radiation proctitis, Indaram et al. (Indaram,A. V., Am J Gastroenterol, 95: 1221-1225, (2000)) examined the colonicmucosal cytokine levels in patients with radiation proctitis andcompared these values with those obtained from normal controls andpatients with IBD. They found that the mucosal levels of IL-2, IL-6, andIL-8 were significantly higher and statistically significant (p<0.05) inboth diseased (5.62.+−0.0.13, 1.60.+−0.0.31, 21.45.+−0.4.03 pg/mg) andnormal-appearing mucosa (3.83.+−0.0.78, 1.36.+−0.0.34, 13.45.+−0.3.18pg/mg) in the radiation proctitis group, compared with those of normalcontrols (1.74.+−0.0.23, 0.67.+−0.0.05, 4.99.+−0.1.39 pg/mg).

Thus, these findings demonstrate a similar activation of cytokines inpatients with radiation proctitis and IBD. In the radiation proctitispatients it was demonstrated that IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in themucosa were significantly greater compared to normal controls. Incomparison, the IBD (UC and CD) patients demonstrated significantlyhigher levels of the cytokines including IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8compared to the normal controls.

The similarity in mucosal cytokine expression in these two diseasesplausibly relates directly to the intense inflammatory nature of thediseases. It has been postulated that this similarity in cytokineactivation in these two diseases may translate into the similarpathological changes seen in chronic IBD and radiation proctitis. Thishypothesis is supported by that fact that the medical management ofradiation proctitis, albeit rather unsatisfactorily, includes treatmentwith various aminosalicylic acid derivatives and corticosteroids givenorally or topically. These treatment options are identical to themanagement of IBD.

Other Cytokine Deregulation Related Diseases: Cardiovascular disease(CVD), atherosclerosis, and metabolic disease (the metabolic syndrome)also have been linked to the improper secretion/expression ofpro/anti-inflammatory cytokines (DeGraba, T. J., Adv Neurol, 92: 29-42,(2003); von der Thusen, J. H., Pharmacol Rev, 55: 133-166, (2003);Schmidt, M. I., Clin Chem Lab Med, 41: 1120-1130, (2003); Virdis, A.,Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens, 12: 181-187, (2003); Ito, T., Curr DrugTargets Inflamm Allergy, 2: 257-265, (2003)).

Diabetes: A fundamental defect in type II diabetes is insulinresistance, by which insulin fails to suppress glucose production fromthe liver and to promote consumption by peripheral tissues, resulting inhyperglycemia. Pancreatic β cells respond to excess plasma glucose bysecreting more insulin to overcome the effects of insulin resistance. Asinsulin resistance progresses and the P cells are no longer able to meetthe requirement for increasing amount of insulin secretion, plasmaglucose levels increase and type II diabetes develops.

Many factors may contribute to the onset of type II diabetes. Since 80%of the patients with type II diabetes are obese and obesity is alwaysassociated with insulin resistance, molecular mediators that linkobesity to insulin resistance have been under extensive research. Avariety of factors have been identified as contributing causes ofinsulin resistance in obesity and obesity-linked type II diabetes,notable those produced by adipose tissue, FFAs (free fatty acids),TNF-α, IL-6, leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. Both mRNA and proteinlevels of TNF-α are highly increased in the adipose tissues of obeseanimals (Hotamisligil, G. S., Science, 259: 87-91, (1993)) and humansubjects (Hotamisligil, G. S., J Clin Invest, 95: 2409-2415, (1995)).All different types of cell in the adipose tissue are capable ofproducing cytokines. Adipocytes express TNF-α receptors and are also themajor source of TNF-α, which is thought to function predominantly in anautocrine/paracrine manner in adipose tissue.

Long-term exposure of cultured cells (Hotamisligil, G. S., Proc NatlAcad Sci USA, 91. 4854-4858, (1994)) or animals (Lang, C. H.,Endocrinology, 130: 43-52, (1992)) to TNF-α induces insulin resistance,whereas neutralization of TNF-α increases insulin sensitivity andreduces hyperglycemia in a type II diabetes animal model (Hotamisligil,G. S., Diabetes, 43: 1271-1278, (1994)). Absence of TNF-α or TNF-αreceptors by gene knock-out significantly improves insulin sensitivityin obesity animal models (Uysal, K. T., Nature, 389: 610-614, (1997)).

Mechanisms have been proposed for TNF-α induced insulin resistance inadipocytes as well as systemically (Ruan, H., Cytokine Growth FactorRev, 14: 447-455, (2003)). TNF-α inhibits phosphorylation of insulinreceptor and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) through the inhibitorkB kinase-β (IKK-β). NF-kB activation by TNF-α is obligatory forrepression of adipocyte-abundant genes essential for adipocyte function,and is also sufficient to inhibit PPAR-gamma-mediated genetranscription. TNF-α also stimulate lipolysis and other cytokineexpression in adipose tissue, and triggers FFA release. In fact, plasmaFFVs levels increase before overt hyperglycemia in some animal models ofinsulin resistance (Ruan, H., Cytokine Growth Factor Rev, 14: 447-455,(2003)). There are extensive evidence implicating excess plasma FFA ininduction and progression of systemic insulin resistance. Inhepatocytes, FFAs contribute to excessive glucose and VLDL production.In muscle cells, high level of FFA impair insulin signaling and promoteFFA oxidation leading to greatly decreased glucose ox.

Currently available insulin sensitizing drugs, which belong toPPAR-gamma agonist, inhibit TNF-α-induced adipocytes gene expressionprofile through NF-kB pathway (Ruan, H., J Biol Chem, 278: 28181-28192,(2003). As adipocyte-derived TNF-α functions as autocrine or paracrinefactor, systemic delivery of TNF-α antibody may not be effective inblocking the biological activity of locally expressed TNF-α in adiposetissue (Ofei, F., Diabetes, 45: 881-885, (1996)). NATURA, whichrepresents a new type of small molecule TNF-α inhibitor distributingthrough simple diffusion, could therefore be effective agent to blockthe function of locally expressed TNF-α and potentially useful in thetreatment of type 2 diabetes.

Type I diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease characterized bymononuclear cell infiltration in the islets of Langerhans and selectivedestruction of the insulin producing beta cells. While CD8+ T cells maybe important initiators, CD4+ T cells (Suri, A., Immunol Rev, 169:55-65, (1999)) and macrophages (Jun, H. S., Diabetes, 48: 34-42, (1999);Yoon, J. W., Autoimmunity, 27: 109-122, (1998)), are the major cellulareffectors of the immune process leading to beta cell death. Activatedmacrophages directly secrete IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, indirectlytrigger INF-gamma production from activated T cells. The involvement ofcytokines like TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-β, IL-6 and IL-10, in the pathogenesisof type 1 diabetes has been well clarified through correlation studiesof cytokine expression and development of type I diabetes, cytokineaugmentation studies and cytokine deficiency studies. (Rabinovitch, A.,Rev Endocr Metab Disord, 4: 291-299, (2003)). In addition to cytokineneutralizing antibodies and soluble cytokine receptors,anti-inflammatory compounds also show the effects of delaying orpreventing the onset of type 1 diabetes in animal models.

In summary, dysregulation of cytokines is involved in a variety ofdiseases, including inflammatory-related diseases and those normally notconsidered inflammatory-related diseases. A molecule that is capable ofmodulating both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines should providetherapeutic benefits with minimal side effects for all types of diseasesrelated to dysfunction of these inflammation components.

V. Pharmaceutical Formulations

The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention can take a variety offorms adapted to the chosen route of administration. Those skilled inthe art will recognize various synthetic methodologies that may beemployed to prepare non-toxic pharmaceutical formulations incorporatingthe compounds described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognizea wide variety of non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable solvents thatmay be used to prepare solvates of the compounds of the invention, suchas water, ethanol, propylene glycol, mineral oil, vegetable oil anddimethylsulfoxide (DMSO).

The compositions of the invention may be administered orally, topically,parenterally, by inhalation or spray or rectally in dosage unitformulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles. It is further understoodthat the best method of administration may be a combination of methods.Oral administration in the form of a pill, capsule, elixir, syrup,lozenge, troche, or the like is particularly preferred. The termparenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous injections, intradermal,intravascular (e.g., intravenous), intramuscular, spinal, intrathecalinjection or like injection or infusion techniques.

The pharmaceutical formulations containing compounds of the inventionare preferably in a form suitable for oral use, for example, as tablets,troches, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders orgranules, emulsion, hard or soft capsules, or syrups or elixirs.

Compositions intended for oral use may be prepared according to anymethod known in the art for the manufacture of pharmaceuticalformulations, and such compositions may contain one or more agentsselected from the group consisting of sweetening agents, flavoringagents, coloring agents and preserving agents in order to providepharmaceutically elegant and palatable preparations. Tablets may containthe active ingredient in admixture with non-toxic pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipients that are suitable for the manufacture of tablets.These excipients may be for example, inert diluents, such as calciumcarbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate or sodiumphosphate; granulating and disintegrating agents, for example, cornstarch, or alginic acid; binding agents, for example starch, gelatin oracacia; and lubricating agents, for example magnesium stearate, stearicacid or talc. The tablets may be uncoated or they may be coated by knowntechniques to delay disintegration and absorption in thegastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over alonger period. For example, a time delay material such as glycerylmonostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed.

Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatin capsuleswherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, forexample, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as softgelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or anoil medium, for example peanut oil, liquid paraffin or olive oil.

Aqueous suspensions contain the active materials in admixture withexcipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Suchexcipients are suspending agents, for example sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose,sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia;and dispersing or wetting agents, which may be a naturally-occurringphosphatide, for example, lecithin, or condensation products of analkylene oxide with fatty acids, for example polyoxyethylene stearate,or condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphaticalcohols, for example heptadecaethyleneoxycetanol, or condensationproducts of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acidsand a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, orcondensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived fromfatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example polyethylene sorbitanmonooleate. The aqueous suspensions may also contain one or morepreservatives, for example ethyl, or n-propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, one ormore coloring agents, one or more flavoring agents, and one or moresweetening agents, such as sucrose or saccharin.

Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredientsin a vegetable oil, for example arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil orcoconut oil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oilysuspensions may contain a thickening agent, for example beeswax, hardparaffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set forthabove, and flavoring agents may be added to provide palatable oralpreparations. These compositions may be preserved by the addition of ananti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid.

Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueoussuspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient inadmixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and oneor more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents andsuspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above.Additional excipients, for example sweetening, flavoring and coloringagents, may also be present.

Pharmaceutical formulations of the invention may also be in the form ofoil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions. The oily phase may bea vegetable oil, for example olive oil or arachis oil, or a mineral oil,for example liquid paraffin or mixtures of these. Suitable emulsifyingagents may be naturally-occurring gums, for example gum acacia or gumtragacanth; naturally-occurring phosphatides, for example soy bean,lecithin, and esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids andhexitol; anhydrides, for example sorbitan monooleate; and condensationproducts of the said partial esters with ethylene oxide, for examplepolyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also containsweetening and flavoring agents.

Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents, for exampleglycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations mayalso contain a demulcent, a preservative, and flavoring and coloringagents. The pharmaceutical formulations may be in the form of a sterileinjectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension may beformulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing orwetting agents and suspending agents, which have been mentioned above.The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectablesolution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptable diluent orsolvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among theacceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water,Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition,sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent orsuspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be employedincluding synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids suchas oleic acid find use in the preparation of inj ectables.

The composition of the invention may also be administered in the form ofsuppositories, e.g., for rectal administration of the drug. Thesecompositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitablenon-irritating excipient that is solid at ordinary temperatures butliquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectumto release the drug. Such materials are cocoa butter and polyethyleneglycols.

Alternatively, the compositions can be administered parenterally in asterile medium. The drug, depending on the vehicle and concentrationused, can either be suspended or dissolved in the vehicle.Advantageously, adjuvants such as local anesthetics, preservatives andbuffering agents can be dissolved in the vehicle.

For administration to non-human animals, the composition containing thetherapeutic compound may be added to the animal's feed or drinkingwater. Also, it will be convenient to formulate animal feed and drinkingwater products so that the animal takes in an appropriate quantity ofthe compound in its diet. It will further be convenient to present thecompound in a composition as a premix for addition to the feed ordrinking water. The composition can also added as a food or drinksupplement for humans.

Dosage levels of the order of from about 5 mg to about 250 mg perkilogram of body weight per day and more preferably from about 25 mg toabout 150 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, are useful in thetreatment of the above-indicated conditions. The amount of activeingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce asingle dosage form will vary depending upon the condition being treatedand the particular mode of administration. Dosage unit forms willgenerally contain between from about 1 mg to about 500 mg of an activeingredient.

Frequency of dosage may also vary depending on the compound used and theparticular disease treated. However, for treatment of most disorders, adosage regimen of 4 times daily or less is preferred. It will beunderstood, however, that the specific dose level for any particularpatient will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity ofthe specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health,sex, diet, time of administration, route of administration and rate ofexcretion, drug combination and the severity of the particular diseaseundergoing therapy.

Preferred compounds of the invention will have desirable pharmacologicalproperties that include, but are not limited to, oral bioavailability,low toxicity, low serum protein binding and desirable in vitro and invivo half-lives. Penetration of the blood brain barrier for compoundsused to treat CNS disorders is necessary, while low brain levels ofcompounds used to treat peripheral disorders are often preferred.

Assays may be used to predict these desirable pharmacologicalproperties. Assays used to predict bioavailability include transportacross human intestinal cell monolayers, including Caco-2 cellmonolayers. Toxicity to cultured hepatocyctes may be used to predictcompound toxicity. Penetration of the blood brain barrier of a compoundin humans may be predicted from the brain levels of laboratory animalsthat receive the compound intravenously.

Serum protein binding may be predicted from albumin binding assays. Suchassays are described in a review by Oravcova, et al. (Journal ofChromatography B (1996) volume 677, pages 1-27).

Compound half-life is inversely proportional to the frequency of dosageof a compound. In vitro half-lives of compounds may be predicted fromassays of microsomal half-life as described by Kuhnz and Gieschen (DrugMetabolism and Disposition, (1998) volume 26, pages 1120-1127).

The amount of the composition required for use in treatment will varynot only with the particular compound selected but also with the routeof administration, the nature of the condition being treated and the ageand condition of the patient and will ultimately be at the discretion ofthe attendant physician or clinician.

V. A) Topical Formulations

In a preferred embodiment, the methods of the invention can be usedemployed through the topical application of the compounds describedherein.

The compositions of the present invention comprises fluid or semi-solidvehicles that may include but are not limited to polymers, thickeners,buffers, neutralizers, chelating agents, preservatives, surfactants oremulsifiers, antioxidants, waxes or oils, emollients, sunscreens, and asolvent or mixed solvent system. The solvent or mixed solvent system isimportant to the formation because it is primarily responsible fordissolving the drug. The best solvent or mixed solvent systems are alsocapable of maintaining clinically relevant levels of the drug insolution despite the addition of a poor solvent to the formulation. Thetopical compositions useful in the subject invention can be made into awide variety of product types. These include, but are not limited to,lotions, creams, gels, sticks, sprays, ointments, pastes, foams,mousses, and cleansers. These product types can comprise several typesof carrier systems including, but not limited to particles,nanoparticles, and liposomes. If desired, disintegrating agents can beadded, such as the cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar or alginicacid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate. Techniques forformulation and administration can be found in Remington: The Scienceand Practice of Pharmacy, supra. The formulation can be selected tomaximize delivery to a desired target site in the body.

Lotions, which are preparations that are to be applied to the skin,nail, hair, claw or hoof surface without friction, are typically liquidor semi-liquid preparations in which finely divided solid, waxy, orliquid are dispersed. Lotions will typically contain suspending agentsto produce better dispersions as well as compounds useful for localizingand holding the active agent in contact with the skin, nail, hair, clawor hoof, e.g., methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethyl-cellulose, or thelike.

Creams containing the active agent for delivery according to the presentinvention are viscous liquid or semisolid emulsions, either oil-in-wateror water-in-oil. Cream bases are water-washable, and contain an oilphase, an emulsifier and an aqueous phase. The oil phase is generallycomprised of petrolatum or a fatty alcohol, such as cetyl- or stearylalcohol; the aqueous phase usually, although not necessarily, exceedsthe oil phase in volume, and generally contains a humectant. Theemulsifier in a cream formulation, as explained in Remington: TheScience and Practice of Pharmacy, supra, is generally a nonionic,anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactant.

Gel formulations can also be used in connection with the presentinvention. As will be appreciated by those working in the field oftopical drug formulation, gels are semisolid. Single-phase gels containorganic macromolecules distributed substantially uniformly throughoutthe carrier liquid, which is typically aqueous, but also may be asolvent or solvent blend.

Ointments, which are semisolid preparations, are typically based onpetrolatum or other petroleum derivatives. As will be appreciated by theordinarily skilled artisan, the specific ointment base to be used is onethat provides for optimum delivery for the active agent chosen for agiven formulation, and, preferably, provides for other desiredcharacteristics as well, e.g., emolliency or the like. As with othercarriers or vehicles, an ointment base should be inert, stable,nonirritating and non-sensitizing. As explained in Remington: TheScience and Practice of Pharmacy, 19th Ed. (Easton, Pa.: Mack PublishingCo., 1995), at pages 1399-1404, ointment bases may be grouped in fourclasses: oleaginous bases; emulsifiable bases; emulsion bases; andwater-soluble bases. Oleaginous ointment bases include, for example,vegetable oils, fats obtained from animals, and semisolid hydrocarbonsobtained from petroleum. Emulsifiable ointment bases, also known asabsorbent ointment bases, contain little or no water and include, forexample, hydroxystearin sulfate, anhydrous lanolin and hydrophilicpetrolatum. Emulsion ointment bases are either water-in-oil (W/O)emulsions or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, and include, for example,cetyl alcohol, glyceryl monostearate, lanolin and stearic acid.Preferred water-soluble ointment bases are prepared from polyethyleneglycols of varying molecular weight; again, reference may be had toRemington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, supra, for furtherinformation.

Useful formulations of the invention also encompass sprays. Spraysgenerally provide the active agent in an aqueous and/or alcoholicsolution which can be misted onto the skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof fordelivery. Such sprays include those formulated to provide forconcentration of the active agent solution at the site of administrationfollowing delivery, e.g., the spray solution can be primarily composedof alcohol or other like volatile liquid in which the drug or activeagent can be dissolved. Upon delivery to the skin, nail, hair, claw orhoof, the carrier evaporates, leaving concentrated active agent at thesite of administration.

The topical pharmaceutical compositions may also comprise suitable solidor gel phase carriers. Examples of such carriers include but are notlimited to calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars,starches, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, and polymers such aspolyethylene glycols.

The topical pharmaceutical compositions may also comprise a suitableemulsifier which refers to an agent that enhances or facilitates mixingand suspending oil-in-water or water-in-oil. The emulsifying agent usedherein may consist of a single emulsifying agent or may be a nonionic,anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactant or blend of two or more suchsurfactants; preferred for use herein are nonionic or anionicemulsifiers. Such surface-active agents are described in “McCutcheon'sDetergent and Emulsifiers,” North American Edition, 1980 Annualpublished by the McCutcheon Division, MC Publishing Company, 175 RockRoad, Glen Rock, N.J. 07452, USA.

Preferred for use herein are high molecular weight alcohols such ascetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, emulsifying wax,glyceryl monostearate. Other examples are ethylene glycol distearate,sorbitan tristearate, propylene glycol monostearate, sorbitanmonooleate, sorbitan monostearate (SPAN 60), diethylene glycolmonolaurate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sucrose dioleate, sucrose stearate(CRODESTA F-160), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (BRIJ 30),polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether (BRIJ 72), polyoxyethylene (21)stearyl ether (BRIJ 721), polyoxyethylene monostearate (Myrj 45),polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (TWEEN 60), polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate (TWEEN 80), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate(TWEEN 20) and sodium oleate. Cholesterol and cholesterol derivativesmay also be employed in externally used emulsions and promote w/oemulsions.

Especially suitable nonionic emulsifying agents are those withhydrophile-lipophile balances (HLB) of about 3 to 6 for w/o system and 8to 18 for o/w system as determined by the method described by Paul L.Lindner in “Emulsions and Emulsion”, edited by Kenneth Lissant,published by Dekker, New York, N.Y., 1974, pages 188-190. More preferredfor use herein are one or more nonionic surfactants that produce asystem having HLB of about 8 to about 18.

Examples of such nonionic emulsifiers include but are not limited to“BRIJ 72”, the trade name for a polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether havingan HLB of 4.9; “BRIJ 721”, the trade name for a polyoxyethylene (21)stearyl ether having an HLB of 15.5, “Brij 30”, the trade name forpolyoxyethylene lauryl ether having an HLB of 9.7; “Polawax”, the tradename for emulsifying wax having an HLB of 8.0; “Span 60”, the trade namefor sorbitan monostearate having an HLB of 4.7; “Crodesta F-160”, thetrade name for sucrose stearate” having an HLB of 14.5. All of thesematerials are available from Ruger Chemicals Inc.; Croda; ICI Americas,Inc.; Spectrum Chemicals; and BASF. When the topical formulations of thepresent invention contain at least one emulsifying agent, eachemulsifying agent is present in amount from about 0.5 to about 2.5 wt %,preferably 0.5 to 2.0%, more preferably 1.0% or 1.8%. Preferably theemulsifying agent comprises a mixture of steareth 21 (at about 1.8%) andsteareth 2 (at about 1.0%).

The topical pharmaceutical compositions may also comprise suitableemollients. Emollients are materials used for the prevention or reliefof dryness, as well as for the protection of the skin, nail, hair, clawor hoof. Useful emollients include, but are not limited to, cetylalcohol, isopropyl myristate, stearyl alcohol, and the like. A widevariety of suitable emollients are known and can be used herein. Seee.g., Sagarin, Cosmetics, Science and Technology, 2nd Edition, Vol. 1,pp. 32-43 (1972), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,934, to Deckner et al., issuedApr. 24, 1990, both of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. These materials are available from Ruger Chemical Co,(Irvington, N.J.).

When the topical formulations of the present invention contain at leastone emollient, each emollient is present in an amount from about 0.1 to15%, preferably 0.1 to about 3.0, more preferably 0.5, 1.0, or 2.5 wt %.Preferably the emollient is a mixture of cetyl alcohol, isopropylmyristate and stearyl alcohol in a 1/5/2 ratio. The emollient may alsobe a mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol in a 1/2 ratio.

The topical pharmaceutical compositions may also comprise suitableantioxidants, substances known to inhibit oxidation. Antioxidantssuitable for use in accordance with the present invention include, butare not limited to, butylated hydroxytoluene, ascorbic acid, sodiumascorbate, calcium ascorbate, ascorbic palmitate, butylatedhydroxyanisole, 2,4,5-trihydroxybutyrophenone,4-hydroxymethyl-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, erythorbic acid, gum guaiac,propyl gallate, thiodipropionic acid, dilauryl thiodipropionate,tert-butylhydroquinone and tocopherols such as vitamin E, and the like,including pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters of thesecompounds. Preferably, the antioxidant is butylated hydroxytoluene,butylated hydroxyanisole, propyl gallate, ascorbic acid,pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof, or mixturesthereof. Most preferably, the antioxidant is butylated hydroxytoluene.These materials are available from Ruger Chemical Co, (Irvington, N.J.).

When the topical formulations of the present invention contain at leastone antioxidant, the total amount of antioxidant present is from about0.001 to 0.5 wt %, preferably 0.05 to about 0.5 wt %, more preferably0.1%.

The topical pharmaceutical compositions may also comprise suitablepreservatives. Preservatives are compounds added to a pharmaceuticalformulation to act as an anti-microbial agent. Among preservatives knownin the art as being effective and acceptable in parenteral formulationsare benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium, chlorohexidine, phenol,m-cresol, benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben, chlorobutanol,o-cresol, p-cresol, chlorocresol, phenylmercuric nitrate, thimerosal,benzoic acid, and various mixtures thereof. See, e.g., Wallhausser,K.-H., Develop. Biol. Standard, 24:9-28 (1974) (S. Krager, Basel).Preferably, the preservative is selected from methylparaben,propylparaben and mixtures thereof. These materials are available fromInolex Chemical Co (Philadelphia, Pa.) or Spectrum Chemicals.

When the topical formulations of the present invention contain at leastone preservative, the total amount of preservative present is from about0.01 to about 0.5 wt %, preferably from about 0.1 to 0.5%, morepreferably from about 0.03 to about 0.15. Preferably the preservative isa mixture of methylparaben and proplybarben in a 5/1 ratio. When alcoholis used as a preservative, the amount is usually 15 to 20%.

The topical pharmaceutical compositions may also comprise suitablechelating agents to form complexes with metal cations that do not crossa lipid bilayer. Examples of suitable chelating agents include ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and8-Amino-2-[(2-amino-5-methylphenoxy)methyl]-6-methoxyquinoline-N,N,N′,N′-tetraaceticacid, tetrapotassium salt (QUIN-2). Preferably the chelating agents areEDTA and citric acid. These materials are available from SpectrumChemicals.

When the topical formulations of the present invention contain at leastone chelating agent, the total amount of chelating agent present is fromabout 0.005% to 2.0% by weight, preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5wt %, more preferably about 0.1% by weight.

The topical pharmaceutical compositions may also comprise suitableneutralizing agents used to adjust the pH of the formulation to within apharmaceutically acceptable range. Examples of neutralizing agentsinclude but are not limited to trolamine, tromethamine, sodiumhydroxide, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, and acetic acid. Suchmaterials are available from are available from Spectrum Chemicals(Gardena, Calif.).

When the topical formulations of the present invention contain at leastone neutralizing agent, the total amount of neutralizing agent presentis from about 0.1 wt to about 10 wt %, preferably 0.1 wt % to about 5.0wt %, and more preferably about 1.0 wt %. The neutralizing agent isgenerally added in whatever amount is required to bring the formulationto the desired pH.

The topical pharmaceutical compositions may also comprise suitableviscosity increasing agents. These components are diffusible compoundscapable of increasing the viscosity of a polymer-containing solutionthrough the interaction of the agent with the polymer. CARBOPOL ULTREZ10 may be used as a viscosity-increasing agent. These materials areavailable from Noveon Chemicals, Cleveland, Ohio.

When the topical formulations of the present invention contain at leastone viscosity increasing agent, the total amount of viscosity increasingagent present is from about 0.25% to about 5.0% by weight, preferablyfrom about 0.25% to about 1.0 wt %, and more preferably from about 0.4%to about 0.6% by weight.

The topical pharmaceutical compositions may also comprise suitable nailpenetration enhancers. Examples of nail penetration enhancers includemercaptan compounds, sulfites and bisulfites, keratolytic agents andsurfactants. Nail penetration enhancers suitable for use in theinvention are described in greater detail in Malhotra et al., J. Pharm.Sci., 91:2, 312-323 (2002), which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

The topical pharmaceutical compositions may also comprise one or moresuitable solvents. The ability of any solid substance (solute) todissolve in any liquid substance (solvent) is dependent upon thephysical properties of the solute and the solvent. When solutes andsolvents have similar physical properties the solubility of the solutein the solvent will be the greatest. This gives rise to the traditionalunderstanding that “like dissolves like.” Solvents can be characterizedin one extreme as non-polar, lipophilic oils, while in the other extremeas polar hydrophilic solvents. Oily solvents dissolve other non-polarsubstances by Van der Wals interactions while water and otherhydrophilic solvents dissolve polar substances by ionic, dipole, orhydrogen bonding interactions. All solvents can be listed along acontinuum from the least polar, i.e. hydrocarbons such as decane, to themost polar solvent being water. A solute will have its greatestsolubility in solvents having equivalent polarity. Thus, for drugshaving minimal solubility in water, less polar solvents will provideimproved solubility with the solvent having polarity nearly equivalentto the solute providing maximum solubility. Most drugs have intermediatepolarity, and thus experience maximum solubility in solvents such aspropylene glycol or ethanol, which are significantly less polar thanwater. If the drug has greater solubility in propylene glycol (forexample 8% (w/w)) than in water (for example 0.1% (w/w)), then additionof water to propylene glycol should decrease the maximum amount of drugsolubility for the solvent mixture compared with pure propylene glycol.Addition of a poor solvent to an excellent solvent will decrease themaximum solubility for the blend compared with the maximum solubility inthe excellent solvent.

When compounds are incorporated into topical formulations theconcentration of active ingredient in the formulation may be limited bythe solubility of the active ingredient in the chosen solvent and/orcarrier. Non-lipophilic drugs typically display very low solubility inpharmaceutically acceptable solvents and/or carriers. For example, thesolubility of some compounds in the invention in water is less than0.00025% wt/wt. The solubility of the same compounds in the inventioncan be less than about 2% wt/wt in either propylene glycol or isopropylmyristate. In one embodiment of the present invention, diethylene glycolmonoethyl ether (DGME) is the solvent used to dissolve the compoundsdescribed herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether (DGME) is the solvent used to dissolve a compounddescribed herein, such as for example the compounds of Formula (I) orFormula (II). The compounds in the invention useful in the presentformulation are believed to have a solubility of from about 10% wt/wt toabout 25% wt/wt in DGME. In another embodiment a DGME water cosolventsystem is used to dissolve the compounds described herein. In anotherembodiment a DGME water cosolvent system is used to dissolve a compounddescribed herein, such as for example the compounds of Formula (I) orFormula (II). The solvent capacity of DGME drops when water is added;however, the DGME/water cosolvent system can be designed to maintain thedesired concentration of from about 0.1% to about 5% wt/wt activeingredient. Preferably the active ingredient is present from about 0.5%to about 3% wt/wt, and more preferably at about 1% wt/wt, in theas-applied topical formulations. Because DGME is less volatile thanwater, as the topical formulation evaporates upon application, theactive agent becomes more soluble in the cream formulation. Thisincreased solubility reduces the likelihood of reduced bioavailabilitycaused by the drug precipitating on the surface of the skin, nail, hair,claw or hoof.

Liquid forms, such as lotions suitable for topical administration orsuitable for cosmetic application, may include a suitable aqueous ornonaqueous vehicle with buffers, suspending and dispensing agents,thickeners, penetration enhancers, and the like. Solid forms such ascreams or pastes or the like may include, for example, any of thefollowing ingredients, water, oil, alcohol or grease as a substrate withsurfactant, polymers such as polyethylene glycol, thickeners, solids andthe like. Liquid or solid formulations may include enhanced deliverytechnologies such as liposomes, microsomes, microsponges and the like.

Additionally, the compounds can be delivered using a sustained-releasesystem, such as semipermeable matrices of solid hydrophobic polymerscontaining the therapeutic agent. Various sustained-release materialshave been established and are well known by those skilled in the art.

Topical treatment regimens according to the practice of this inventioncomprise applying the composition directly to the skin, nail, hair, clawor hoof at the application site, from one to several times daily.

Formulations of the present invention can be used to treat, ameliorateor prevent conditions or symptoms associated with bacterial infections,acne, inflammation and the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pharmaceutical formulation includes asimple solution. In an exemplary embodiment, the simple solutionincludes a polyether. In an exemplary embodiment, the polyether ispolyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol. In an exemplary embodiment,the simple solution includes an alcohol. In an exemplary embodiment, thealcohol is methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol or butanol. In anexemplary embodiment, the simple solution includes a polyether and analcohol. In another exemplary embodiment, the simple solution includes apolypropylene glycol and ethanol. In another exemplary embodiment, thesimple solution is a member selected from about 10% polypropylene glycoland about 90% ethanol; about 20% polypropylene glycol and about 80%ethanol; about 30% polypropylene glycol and about 70% ethanol; about 40%polypropylene glycol and about 60% ethanol; about 50% polypropyleneglycol and about 50% ethanol; about 60% polypropylene glycol and about40% ethanol; about 70% polypropylene glycol and about 30% ethanol; about80% polypropylene glycol and about 20% ethanol; about 90% polypropyleneglycol and about 10% ethanol.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pharmaceutical formulation is a lacquer.

V. b) Additional Active Agents

The following are examples of the cosmetic and pharmaceutical agentsthat can be added to the topical pharmaceutical formulations of thepresent invention. The following agents are known compounds and arereadily available commercially.

Anti-inflammatory agents include, but are not limited to, bisabolol,mentholatum, dapsone, aloe, hydrocortisone, and the like.

Vitamins include, but are not limited to, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, VitaminA, Vitamin D, and the like and vitamin derivatives such as tazarotene,calcipotriene, tretinoin, adapalene and the like.

Anti-aging agents include, but are not limited to, niacinamide, retinoland retinoid derivatives, AHA, Ascorbic acid, lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, copper binding peptides,dimethylaminoethyl (DAEA), and the like.

Sunscreens and or sunburn relief agents include, but are not limited to,PABA, jojoba, aloe, padimate-O, methoxycinnamates, proxamine HCl,lidocaine and the like. Sunless tanning agents include, but are notlimited to, dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

Psoriasis-treating agents and/or acne-treating agents include, but arenot limited to, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, coal tar, seleniumsulfide, zinc oxide, pyrithione (zinc and/or sodium), tazarotene,calcipotriene, tretinoin, adapalene and the like.

Agents that are effective to control or modify keratinization, includingwithout limitation: tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene.

The compositions comprising an compound/active agent described herein,such as for example in Formula (I) or Formula (II), and optionally atleast one of these additional agents, are to be administered topically.In a primary application, this leads to the compounds of the inventionand any other active agent working upon and treating the skin, nail,hair, claw or hoof. Alternatively, any one of the topically appliedactive agents may also be delivered systemically by transdermal routes.

In such compositions an additional cosmetically or pharmaceuticallyeffective agent, such as an anti-inflammatory agent, vitamin, anti-agingagent, sunscreen, and/or acne-treating agent, for example, is usually aminor component (from about 0.001% to about 20% by weight or preferablyfrom about 0.01% to about 10% by weight) with the remainder beingvarious vehicles or carriers and processing aids helpful for forming thedesired dosing form.

V. c) Testing

Preferred compounds for use in the present topical formulations willhave certain pharmacological properties. Such properties include, butare not limited to, low toxicity, low serum protein binding anddesirable in vitro and in vivo half-lives. Assays may be used to predictthese desirable pharmacological properties. Assays used to predictbioavailability include transport across human intestinal cellmonolayers, including Caco-2 cell monolayers. Serum protein binding maybe predicted from albumin binding assays. Such assays are described in areview by Oravcova et al. (1996, J. Chromat. B677: 1-27). Compoundhalf-life is inversely proportional to the frequency of dosage of acompound. In vitro half-lives of compounds may be predicted from assaysof microsomal half-life as described by Kuhnz and Gleschen (DrugMetabolism and Disposition, (1998) volume 26, pages 1120-1127).

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds can be determined bystandard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimentalanimals, e.g., for determining the LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of thepopulation) and the ED₅₀ (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% ofthe population). The dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects isthe therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratio between LD₅₀and ED₅₀. Compounds that exhibit high therapeutic indices are preferred.The data obtained from these cell culture assays and animal studies canbe used in formulating a range of dosage for use in humans. The dosageof such compounds lies preferably within a range of circulatingconcentrations that include the ED₅₀ with little or no toxicity. Thedosage can vary within this range depending upon the dosage formemployed and the route of administration utilized. The exactformulation, route of administration and dosage can be chosen by theindividual physician in view of the patient's condition. (See, e.g.Fingl et al., 1975, in “The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics”, Ch.1, p. 1).

V. d) Administration

For any compound used in the method of the invention, thetherapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from cellculture assays, as disclosed herein. For example, a dose can beformulated in animal models to achieve a circulating concentration rangethat includes the EC₅₀ (effective dose for 50% increase) as determinedin cell culture, i.e., the concentration of the test compound whichachieves a half-maximal inhibition of bacterial cell growth. Suchinformation can be used to more accurately determine useful doses inhumans.

In general, the compounds prepared by the methods, and from theintermediates, described herein will be administered in atherapeutically or cosmetically effective amount by any of the acceptedmodes of administration for agents that serve similar utilities. It willbe understood, however, that the specific dose level for any particularpatient will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity ofthe specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health,sex, diet, time of administration, route of administration, and rate ofexcretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular diseaseundergoing therapy and the judgment of the prescribing physician. Thedrug can be administered from once or twice a day, or up to 3 or 4 timesa day.

Dosage amount and interval can be adjusted individually to provideplasma levels of the active moiety that are sufficient to maintainbacterial cell growth inhibitory effects. Usual patient dosages forsystemic administration range from 0.1 to 1000 mg/day, preferably, 1-500mg/day, more preferably 10-200 mg/day, even more preferably 100-200mg/day. Stated in terms of patient body surface areas, usual dosagesrange from 50-91 mg/m²/day.

The amount of the compound in a formulation can vary within the fullrange employed by those skilled in the art. Typically, the formulationwill contain, on a weight percent (wt %) basis, from about 0.01-10 wt %of the drug based on the total formulation, with the balance being oneor more suitable pharmaceutical excipients. Preferably, the compound ispresent at a level of about 0.1-3.0 wt %, more preferably, about 1.0wt^(%).

The invention is further illustrated by the Examples that follow. TheExamples are not intended to define or limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

Proton NMR are recorded on Varian AS 300 spectrometer and chemicalshifts are reported as δ (ppm) down field from tetramethylsilane. Massspectra are determined on Micromass Quattro II.

Example 1

Preparation of 3 from 1

1.1 Reduction of Carboxylic Acid

To a solution of 1 (23.3 mmol) in anhydrous THF (70 mL) under nitrogenwas added dropwise a BH₃ THF solution (1.0 M, 55 mL, 55 mmol) at 0° C.and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Thenthe mixture was cooled again with ice bath and MeOH (20 mL) was addeddropwise to decompose excess BH₃. The resulting mixture was stirreduntil no bubble was released and then 10% NaOH (10 mL) was added. Themixture was concentrated and the residue was mixed with water (200 mL)and extracted with EtOAc. The residue from rotary evaporation waspurified by flash column chromatography over silica gel to give 20.7mmol of 3.

1.2 Results

Exemplary compounds of structure 3 prepared by the method above areprovided below.

1.2.a 2-Bromo-5-chlorobenzyl Alcohol

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.57 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.50-7.49 (m, 1H),7.28-7.24 (m, 1H), 5.59 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H) and 4.46 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H)ppm.

1.2.b 2-Bromo-5-methoxybenzyl Alcohol

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.42 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=2.4 Hz,1H), 6.77 (dd, J₁=3 Hz, J₂=3 Hz, 1H), 5.43 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.44 (d,J=5.1 Hz, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H).

Example 2

Preparation of 3 from 22.1. Reduction ofAldehyde

To a solution of 2 (Z═H, 10.7 mmol) in methanol (30 mL) was added sodiumborohydride (5.40 mol), and the mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor 1 h. Water was added, and the mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was washed with brine and dried on anhydroussodium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford9.9 mmol of 3.

2.2 Results

Exemplary compounds of structure 3 prepared by the method above areprovided below.

2.2.a 2-Bromo-5-(4-cyanophenoxy)benzyl Alcohol

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm) 2.00 (br s, 1H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 6.88 (dd,J=8.5, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.02 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H), 7.56(d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H).

2.2.b 2-Bromo-4-(4-cyanophenoxy)benzyl Alcohol

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.83 (d, 2H), 7.58 (d, 1H), 7.39 (d, 1H),7.18 (dd, 1H), 7.11 (d, 2H), 5.48 (t, 1H) and 4.50 (d, 2H) ppm.

2.2.c 5-(4-Cyanophenoxy)-1-Indanol

M.p.50-53° C. MS (ESI+): m/z=252 (M+1). HPLC: 99.7% purity at 254 nm and99.0% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.80 (d, 2H), 7.37 (d,1H), 7.04 (d, 2H), 6.98-6.93 (m, 2H), 5.27 (d, 1H), 5.03 (q, 1H),2.95-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.75-2.64 (m, 1H), 2.39-2.29 (m, 1H) and 1.85-1.74(m, 1H) ppm.

2.2.d 2-Bromo-5-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)benzyl Alcohol

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm) 0.20 (s, 6H), 0.98 (s, 9H), 4.67 (br s,1H), 6.65 (dd, J=8.2, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (d, J=2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d,J=8.8 Hz, 1H).

Additional examples of compounds which can be produced by this methodinclude 2-bromo-4-(3-cyanophenoxy)benzyl alcohol;2-bromo-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)benzyl alcohol; 2-bromo-4-phenoxybenzylalcohol; 2-bromo-5-(3,4-dicyanophenoxy)benzyl alcohol;2-(2-bromo-5-fluorophenyl)ethyl alcohol; 2-bromo-5-fluorobenzyl alcohol;and 1-bromo-2-naphthalenemethanol.

Example 3

Preparation of 4 from 3

3.1 Protective Alkylation

Compound 3 (20.7 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (150 mL) and cooled to 0°C. with ice bath. To this solution under nitrogen were added in sequenceN,N-diisopropyl ethyl amine (5.4 mL, 31.02 mmol, 1.5 eq) andchloromethyl methyl ether (2 mL, 25.85 mmol, 1.25 eq). The reactionmixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and washed withNaHCO₃-saturated water and then NaCl-saturated water. The residue afterrotary evaporation was purified by flash column chromatography oversilica gel to give 17.6 mmol of 4.

3.2 Results

Exemplary compounds of structure 4 prepared by the method above areprovided below.

3.2.a 2-Bromo-5-chloro-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.63 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (dd, J=2.4 &0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (dd, J=8.4 & 2.4 Hz, 1H), 4.71 (s, 2H), 4.53 (s, 2H)and 3.30 (s, 3H) ppm.

3.2.b 2-Bromo-5-fluoro-1-[1-(methoxymethoxy)ethyl]benzene

¹H-NMR (300.058 MHz, CDCl₃) δ ppm 1.43 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 3H), 3.38 (s, 3H),4.55 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 1H), 4.63 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 1H), 5.07 (q, J=6.5 Hz, 1H),6.85 (m, 1H), 7.25 (dd, J=9.7, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (dd, J=8.8, 5.3 Hz,1H).

3.2.c 2-Bromo-5-fluoro-1-[2-(methoxymethoxy)ethyl]benzene

¹H-NMR (300.058 MHz, CDCl₃) δ ppm 3.04 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 3.31 (s, 3H),3.77 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 6.82 (td, J=8.2, 3.2 Hz, 1H), 7.04(dd, J=9.4, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (dd, J=8.8, 5.3 Hz, 1H).

3.2.d 2-Bromo-4,5-difluoro-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene

¹H-NMR (300.058 MHz, CDCl₃) δ ppm 3.42 (s, 3H), 4.57 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 2H),4.76 (s, 2H), 7.3-7.5 (m, 2H).

3.2.e 2-Bromo-5-cyano-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene

¹H-NMR (300.058 MHz, CDCl₃) δ ppm 3.43 (s, 3H), 4.65 (s, 2H), 4.80 (s,2H), 7.43 (dd, J=8.2, 4.1 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d,J=4.1 Hz, 1H).

3.2.f 2-Bromo-5-methoxy-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.48 (dd, J₁=1.2 Hz, J₂=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.05(d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 6.83 (dd, J₁=3 Hz, J₂=3 Hz, 1H), 4.69 (d, J=1.2 Hz,2H), 4.5 (s, 2H), 3.74 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 3H), 3.32 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 3H) ppm.

3.2.g 1-Benzyl-1-(2-bromophenyl)-1-(methoxymethoxy)ethane

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.70-7.67 (m, 1H), 7.25-7.09 (m, 6H),6.96-6.93 (m, 2H), 4.61 (d, 1H), 4.48 (d, 1H), 3.36-3.26 (m, 2H), 3.22(s, 3H) and 1.63 (s, 3H) ppm.

3.2.h 2-Bromo-6-fluoro-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm) 3.43 (s, 3H), 4.74 (s, 2H), 4.76 (d,J=2.1 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (t, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (td, J=8.2, 5.9 Hz, 1H),7.40 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H).

3.2.i 2-Bromo-4-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.84 (d, 2H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.44 (d, 1H),7.19-7.12 (m, 3H), 4.69 (s, 2H), 4.56 (s, 2H) and 3.31 (s, 3H) ppm.

3.2.j2-Bromo-5-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm) 0.19 (s, 6H), 0.98 (s, 9H), 3.43 (s,3H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 6.64 (dd, J=8.5, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (d,J=2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H).

3.2.k 2-Bromo-5-(2-cyanophenoxy)-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm) 3.41 (s, 3H), 4.64 (s, 2H), 4.76 (s,2H), 6.8-6.9 (m, 2H), 7.16 (td, J=7.6, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J=2.9 Hz,1H), 7.49 (ddd, J=8.8, 7.6, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.67(dd, J=7.9, 1.8 Hz, 1H).

3.2.1 2-Bromo-5-phenoxy-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ (ppm) 3.40 (s, 3H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 4.74 (s,2H), 6.80 (dd, J=8.8, 2.9 hz, 1H), 7.01 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (t,J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (d, J=2.9 hz, 1H), 7.35 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d,J=8.5 Hz, 1H).

Additional examples of compounds which can be produced by this methodinclude 2-bromo-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene;2-bromo-5-methyl-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene;2-bromo-5-(methoxymethoxymethyl)-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene;2-bromo-5-fluoro-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene;1-bromo-2-(methoxymethoxymethyl)naphthalene;2-bromo-4-fluoro-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene;2-phenyl-1-(2-bromophenyl)-1-(methoxymethoxy)ethane;2-bromo-5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1-(methoxymethoxy methyl)benzene;2-bromo-4-(3-cyanophenoxy)-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene;2-bromo-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene;2-bromo-4-phenoxy-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene;2-bromo-5-(3,4-dicyanophenoxy)-1-(methoxymethoxymethyl)benzene.

Example 4

Preparation of I from 4 via 54.1 Metallation and boronylation

To a solution of 4 (17.3 mmol) in anhydrous THF (80 mL) at −78° C. undernitrogen was added dropwise tert-BuLi or n-BuLi (11.7 mL) and thesolution became brown colored. Then, B(OMe)₃ (1.93 mL, 17.3 mmol) wasinjected in one portion and the cooling bath was removed. The mixturewas warmed gradually with stirring for 30 min and then stirred with awater bath for 2 h. After addition of 6N HCl (6 mL), the mixture wasstirred overnight at room temperature and about 50% hydrolysis hashappened as shown by TLC analysis. The solution was rotary evaporatedand the residue was dissolved in MeOH (50 mL) and 6N HCl (4 mL). Thesolution was refluxed for 1 h and the hydrolysis was completed asindicated by TLC analysis. Rotary evaporation gave a residue which wasdissolved in EtOAc, washed with water, dried and then evaporated. Thecrude product was purified by flash column chromatography over silicagel to provide a solid with 80% purity. The solid was further purifiedby washing with hexane to afford 7.2 mmol of I.

4.2 Results

Analytical data for exemplary compounds of structure I are providedbelow.

4.2.a 5-Chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C1)

M.p. 142-150° C. MS (ESI): m/z=169 (M+1, positive) and 167 (M−1,negative). HPLC (220 nm): 99% purity. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 9.30(s, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.38 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H)and 4.96 (s, 2H) ppm.

4.2.b 1,3-Dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C2)

M.p. 83-86° C. MS (ESI): m/z=135 (M+1, positive) and 133 (M−1,negative). HPLC (220 nm): 95.4% purity. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.14 (s, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (d,J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 1H) and 4.97 (s, 2H) ppm.

4.2.c 5-Fluoro-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-3-methyl-2,1-benzoxaborole (C3)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm 1.37 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 5.17 (q, J=6.4Hz, 1H), 7.14 (m, 1H), 7.25 (dd, J=9.7, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (dd, J=8.2,5.9 Hz, 1H), 9.14 (s, 1H).

4.2. d 6-Fluoro-1-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2,1-benzoxaborine (C4)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm 2.86 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 4.04 (t, J=5.9Hz, 2H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 2H), 7.69 (dd, J=8.2, 7.2 Hz, 1H), 8.47 (s, 1H).

4.2.e 5,6-Difluoro-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C5)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm 4.94 (s, 2H), 7.50 (dd, J=10.7, 6.8 Hz,1H), 7.62 (dd, J=9.7, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 9.34 (s, 1H). 4.2.f5-Cyano-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C6)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm 5.03 (s, 2H), 7.76 (d, J 8.2 Hz, 1H),7.89 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 9.53 (s, 1H).

4.2.g 1,3-Dihydro-1-hydroxy-5-methoxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C7)

M.p. 102-104° C. MS ESI: m/z=165.3 (M+1) and 162.9 (M−1). ¹H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 8.95 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 6.94 (s, 1H),6.88 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 4.91 (s, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H) ppm.

4.2.h 1,3-Dihydro-1-hydroxy-5-methyl-2,1-benzoxaborole (C8)

M.p. 124-128° C. MS ESI: m/z=148.9 (M+1) and 146.9 (M−1). ¹H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 9.05 (s, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H),7.13 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.91 (s, 2H), 2.33 (s, 3H) ppm.

4.2.i 1,3-Dihydro-1-hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-2,1-benzoxaborole (C9)

MS: m/z=163 (M−1, ESI−). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 9.08 (s, 1H), 7.64(d, 1H), 7.33 (s, 1H), 7.27 (d, 1H), 5.23 (t, 1H), 4.96 (s, 2H), 4.53(d, 2H) ppm.

4.2.j 1,3-Dihydro-5-fluoro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C10)

M.p. 110-114° C. MS ESI: m/z=150.9 (M−1). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.20 (s, 1H), 7.73 (dd, J₁=6 Hz, J₂=6 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (m, 1H), 7.14 (m,1H), 4.95 (s, 2H) ppm.

4.2.k 1,3-Dihydro-2-oxa-1-cyclopenta[{acute over (α)}]naphthalene (C11)

M.P. 139-143° C. MS ESI: m/z=184.9 (M+1). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.21 (s, 1H), 8.28 (dd, J₁=6.9 Hz, J₂=0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=8.1 Hz,1H), 7.95 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.47 (m, 3H), 5.09 (s, 2H) ppm.

4.2.1 7-Hydroxy-2,1-oxaborolano[5,4-c]pyridine (C12)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ ppm 5.00 (s, 2H), 7.45 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H),8.57 (d, J=5.3 Hz, 1H), 8.91 (s, 1H), 9.57 (s, 1H). ESI-MS m/z 134(M−H)⁻, C₆H₆BNO₂=135.

4.2. m 1,3-Dihydro-6-fluoro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C13)

M.p.110-117.5° C. MS (ESI): m/z=151 (M−1, negative). HPLC (220 nm): 100%purity. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 9.29 (s, 1H), 7.46-7.41 (m, 2H),7.29 (td, 1H) and 4.95 (s, 2H) ppm.

4.2.n 3-Benzyl-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-3-methyl-2,1-benzoxaborole (C14)

MS (ESI): m/z=239 (M+1, positive). HPLC: 99.5% purity at 220 nm and95.9% at 254 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 8.89 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.40(m, 3H), 7.25-7.19 (m, 1H), 7.09-7.05 (m, 3H), 6.96-6.94 (m, 2H), 3.10(d, 1H), 3.00 (d, 1H) and 1.44 (s, 3H) ppm.

4.2.0 3-Benzyl-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C15)

MS (ESI+): m/z=225 (M+1). HPLC: 93.4% purity at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz,DMSO-d₆): δ 9.08 (s, 1H), 7.63 (dd, 1H), 7.43 (t, 1H), 7.35-7.14 (m,7H), 5.38 (dd, 1H), 3.21 (dd, 1H) and 2.77 (dd, 1H) ppm.

4.2.p 1,3-Dihydro-4-fluoro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C16)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 5.06 (s, 2H), 7.26 (ddd, J=9.7, 7.9,0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (td, J=8.2, 4.7 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 9.41(s, 1H).

4.2. q 5-(4-Cyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C17)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm 4.95 (s, 2H), 7.08 (dd, J=7.9, 2.1 Hz,1H), 7.14 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=7.9 Hz,1H), 7.85 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 2H), 9.22 (s, 1H).

4.2.r 6-(4-Cyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C18)

M.p.148-151° C. MS: m/z=252 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=250 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC:100% purity at 254 nm and 98.7% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.26 (s, 1H), 7.82 (d, 2H), 7.50 (d, 1H), 7.39 (d, 1H), 7.26 (dd, 1H),7.08 (d, 2H) and 4.99 (s, 2H) ppm

4.2.s 6-(3-Cyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2, I-benzoxaborole (C19)

M.p.146-149° C. MS: m/z=252 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=250 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC:100% purity at 254 nm and 97.9% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.21 (s, 1H), 7.60-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.50-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.34-7.30 (m, 2H),7.23 (dd, 1H) and 4.98 (s, 2H) ppm.

4.2.t 6-(4-Chlorophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C20)

M.p.119-130° C. MS: m/z=261 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=259 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC:100% purity at 254 nm and 98.9% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.18 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.41 (m, 3H), 7.29 (d, 1H), 7.19 (dd, 1H), 7.01 (d,2H) and 4.96 (s, 2H) ppm.

4.2. u 6-Phenoxy-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C21)

M.p.95-99° C. MS: m/z=227 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=225 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC:100% purity at 254 nm and 98.4% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.17 (s, 1H), 7.43-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.19-7.09 (m, 2H), 6.99(d, 2H) and 4.96 (s, 2H) ppm.

4.2.v 5-(4-Cyanobenzyloxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C22)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 4.90 (s, 2H), 5.25 (s, 2H), 6.98 (dd,J=7.9, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.03 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.64(d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.86 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 9.01 (s, 1H).

4.2.w 5-(2-Cyanophenoxy)-, 3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C23)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 4.95 (s, 2H), 7.0-7.2 (m, 3H), 7.32(td, J=7.6, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (ddd, J=9.1, 7.6, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (d,J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (dd, J=7.9, 1.8 Hz, 1H).

4.2.x 5-Phenoxy-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C24)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 4.91 (s, 2H), 6.94 (s, 1H), 6.96 (d,J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (t,J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 7.70 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 9.11 (s, 1H).

4.2.y5-[4-(N,N-Diethylcarbamoyl)phenoxy]-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole(C25)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 1.08 (br s, 6H), 3.1-3.5 (m, 4H), 4.93(s, 2H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 4H), 7.37 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.73 (d, J=7.9 Hz,1H), 9.15 (s, 1H).

4.2.z1,3-Dihydro-1-hydroxy-5-[4-(morpholinocarbonyl)phenoxy]-2,1-benzoxaborole(C26)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 3.3-3.7 (m, 8H), 4.93 (s, 2H), 7.0-7.1(m, 4H), 7.44 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.73 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 9.16 (s, 1H).

4.2.aa 5-(3,4-Dicyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole(C27)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 4.97 (s, 2H), 7.13 (dd, J=7.9, 2.1 Hz,1H), 7.21 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (dd, J=8.8, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d,J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 9.26 (s,1H).

4.2.ab 6-Phenylthio-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C28)

M.p.121-124° C. MS: m/z=243 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=241 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC:99.6% purity at 254 nm and 99.6% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.25 (s, 1H), 7.72 (dd, 1H), 7.48 (dd, 1H), 7.43 (dd, 1H), 7.37-7.31 (m,2H), 7.29-7.23 (m, 3H), and 4.98 (s, 2H) ppm.

4.2.ac6-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole(C29)

M.p.97-101° C. MS: m/z=311 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=309 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC:100% purity at 254 nm and 100% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.20 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.37 (d, 2H), 7.33 (d, 1H), 7.21 (dd, 1H),7.08 (d, 2H), and 4.97 (s, 2H) ppm.

4.2.ad 5-(N-Methyl-N-phenylsulfonylamino)-,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C30)

M.p.85-95° C. MS: m/z=304 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=302 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC:96.6% purity at 254 nm and 89.8% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.23 (s, 1H), 7.72-7.63 (m, 2H), 7.56 (t, 2H), 7.50 (d, 2H), 7.16 (s,1H), 7.03 (d, 1H), 4.91 (s, 2H) and 3.14 (s, 3H) ppm.

4.2.ae 6-(4-Methoxyphenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole(C31)

M.p.126-129° C. MS: m/z=257 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=255 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC:98.4% purity at 254 nm and 98.4% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.14 (s, 1H), 7.36 (d, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 6.98 (d, 2H),6.95 (d, 2H), 4.93 (s, 2H) and 3.73 (s, 3H) ppm.

4.2.af 6-(4-Methoxyphenylthio)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole(C32)

M.p.95-100° C. MS: m/z=272 (M+), 273 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=271 (M−1)(ESI−). HPLC: 100% purity at 254 nm and 99.2% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 9.20 (s, 1H), 7.51 (d, 1H), 7.39-7.28 (m, 4H), 6.98 (d,2H), 4.93 (s, 2H) and 3.76 (s, 3H) ppm.

4.2.ag6-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole(C33)

M.p.180-192° C. MS: m/z=305 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=303 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC:96.8% purity at 254 nm and 95.5% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.46 (s, 1H), 8.28 (s, 1H), 7.99 (d, 1H), 7.85 (d, 2H), 7.61 (d, 1H),7.11 (d, 2H), 5.02 (s, 2H) and 3.80 (s, 3H) ppm.

4.2.ah 6-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfinyl)-,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C34)

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 9.37 (s, 1H), 8.02 (d, 1H), 7.71 (dd, 1H),7.59 (d, 2H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.07 (d, 2H), 5.00 (s, 2H) and 3.76 (s, 3H)ppm.

4.2.ai 5-Trifluoromethyl-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C35)

M.p.113-118° C. MS: m/z=203 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=201 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC:100% purity at 254 nm and 100% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ9.48 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 7.67 (d, 1H) and 5.06 (s, 2H)ppm.

4.2.aj 4-(4-Cyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C36)

For coupling reaction between 4-fluorobenzonitrile and substitutedphenol to give starting material 2, see Igarashi, S.; et al. Chemical &Pharmaceutical Bulletin (2000), 48(11), 1689-1697.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) (ppm) 4.84 (s, 2H), 7.08 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H),7.18 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H),7.82 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H).

7-(4-Cyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C100)

For coupling reaction between 4-fluorobenzonitrile and substitutedphenol to give starting material 2, see Igarashi, S.; et al. Chemical &Pharmaceutical Bulletin (2000), 48(11), 1689-1697.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 5.02 (s, 2H), 6.97 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H),7.01 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H),7.77 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H).

4.2.ak 5-(3-Cyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C37)

For coupling between 3-fluorobenzonitrile and substituted phenol to givestarting material 2: Li, F. et al., Organic Letters (2003), 5(12),2169-2171.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆)□ (ppm) 4.93 (s, 2H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 2H), 7.3-7.4(m, 1H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 3H), 7.75 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H).

4.2.al 5-(4-Carboxyphenoxy)-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C38)

To a solution of 5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole obtainedin C17 (430 mg, 1.71 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL) was added 6 mol/L sodiumhydroxide (2 mL), and the mixture was refluxed for 3 hours. Hydrochloricacid (6 mol/L, 3 mL) was added, and the mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was washed with brine and dried on anhydroussodium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and theresidue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate)followed by trituration with diisopropyl ether to give the targetcompound (37 mg, 8%).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 4.94 (s, 2H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 4H), 7.76(d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 9.19 (s, 1H), 12.8 (br s,1H).

4.2.am 1-Hydroxy-5-[4-(tetrazole-1-yl)phenoxy]-2,1-benzoxaborole (C39)

A mixture of 5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (200 mg,0.797 mmol), sodium azide (103 mg, 1.59 mmol), and ammonium chloride (85mg, 1.6 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (5 mL) was stirred at 80° C. fortwo days. Water was added, and the mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was washed with water and brine, and dried onanhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reducedpressure, and the residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate) followed by trituration with ethylacetate to give the target compound (55 mg, 23%).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 4.95 (s, 2H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 2H), 7.23(d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.76 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 9.18(br s, 1H).

Example 5

Preparation of I from 2 via 6

5.1 Catalytic Boronylation, Reduction and Cyclization

A mixture of 2 (10.0 mmol), bis(pinacolato)diboron (2.79 g, 11.0 mmol),PdCl₂(dppf) (250 mg, 3 mol %), and potassium acetate (2.94 g, 30.0 mmol)in 1,4-dioxane (40 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for overnight. Water wasadded, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organiclayer was washed with brine and dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate. Thesolvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude product wasdissolved in tetrahydrofuran (80 mL), then sodium periodate (5.56 g,26.0 mmol) was added. After stirring at room temperature for 30 min, 2NHCl (10 mL) was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor overnight. Water was added, and the mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was washed with brine and dried on anhydroussodium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and theresidue was treated with ether to afford 6.3 mmol of the correspondingboronic acid. To the solution of the obtained boronic acid (0.595 mmol)in methanol (5 mL) was added sodium borohydride (11 mg, 0.30 mmol), andthe mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. Water was added,and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer waswashed with brine and dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by silicagel column chromatography to give 0.217 mmol of I.

5.2 Results

Analytical data for exemplary compounds of structure I are providedbelow.

5.2.a 1,3-Dihydro-5-fluoro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C10)

Analytical data for this compound is listed in 4.2.j.

Example 6

Preparation of I from 3

6.1 One-pot Boronylation and Cyclization

To a solution of 3 (4.88 mmol) and triisopropyl borate (1.35 mL, 5.86mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) was added n-butyllithium (1.6 mol/L inhexanes; 6.7 mL, 10.7 mmol) dropwise over 15 min at −78° C. undernitrogen atmosphere, and the mixture was stirred for 2 h while allowingto warm to room temperature. The reaction was quenched with 2N HCl, andextracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with brineand dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed underreduced pressure, and the residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography and treated with pentane to give 0.41 mmol of I.

6.2 Results

Analytical data for exemplary compounds of structure I are providedbelow.

6.2.a 1,3-Dihydro-5-fluoro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C10)

Analytical data for this compound is listed in 4.2.j.

Example 7

Preparation of I from 37.1 One-pot Boronylation and Cyclization with Distillation

To a solution of 3 (4.88 mmol) in toluene (20 mL) was added triisopropylborate (2.2 mL, 9.8 mmol), and the mixture was heated at reflux for 1 h.The solvent, the generated isopropyl alcohol and excess triisopropylborate were removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved intetrahydrofuran (10 mL) and cooled to −78° C. n-Butyllithium (3.2 mL,5.1 mmol) was added dropwise over 10 min, and the mixture was stirredfor 1 h while allowing to warm to room temperature. The reaction wasquenched with 2N HCl, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organiclayer was washed with brine and dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate. Thesolvent was removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was purifiedby silica gel column chromatography to give 1.54 mmol of I.

7.2 Results

Analytical data for exemplary compounds of structure I are providedbelow.

7.2.a 1,3-Dihydro-5-fluoro-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (C10)

Analytical data for this compound is listed in 4.2.j.

Example 8

Preparation of 8 from 7

8.1 Bromination

To a solution of 7 (49.5 mmol) in carbon tetrachloride (200 mL) wereadded N-bromosuccinimide (8.81 g, 49.5 mmol) and N,N-azoisobutylonitrile(414 mg, 5 mol %), and the mixture was heated at reflux for 3 h. Waterwas added, and the mixture was extracted with chloroform. The organiclayer was washed with brine and dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate. Thesolvent was removed under reduced pressure to give the crudemethyl-brominated intermediate 8.

Example 9

Preparation of 3 from 8

9.1 Hydroxylation

To crude 8 (49.5 mmol) were added dimethylformamide (150 mL) and sodiumacetate (20.5 g, 250 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at 80° C. forovernight. Water was added, and the mixture was extracted with ether.The organic layer was washed with water and brine, and dried onanhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reducedpressure. To the residue was added methanol (150 mL) and 1N sodiumhydroxide (50 mL), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1h. The reaction mixture was concentrated to about a third of volumeunder reduced pressure. Water and hydrochloric acid were added, and themixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washedwith water and brine, and dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solventwas removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified bysilica gel column chromatography followed by trituration withdichloromethane to give 21.8 mmol of 3.

9.2 Results

Exemplary compounds of structure 3 prepared by the method above areprovided below.

9.2.a 2-Bromo-5-cyanobenzyl Alcohol

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm 4.51 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 5.67 (t, J=5.6Hz, 1H), 7.67 (dd, J=8.2, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (s, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (d,J=2.0 Hz, 1H).

Additional examples of compounds which can be produced by this methodinclude 2-bromo-5-(4-cyanophenoxy)benzyl alcohol.

Example 10

Preparation of 9 from 2

10.1 Reaction

A mixture of 2 (20.0 mmol), (methoxymethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride(8.49 g, 24.0 mmol), and potassium tert-butoxide (2.83 g, 24.0 mol) inN,N-dimethylformamide (50 mL) was stirred at room temperature forovernight. The reaction was quenched with 6N HCl, and the mixture wasextracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water(×2) and brine, and dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent wasremoved under reduced. To the residue were added tetrahydrofuran (60 mL)and 6N HCl, and the mixture was heated at reflux for 8 h. Water wasadded, and the mixture was extracted with ether. The organic layer waswashed with brine and dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure to afford 16.6 mmol of 9.

Example 11 Preparation Method of Step 13 11.1 Reaction

A solution of I in an appropriate alcohol solvent (R¹—OH) was refluxedunder nitrogen atmosphere and then distilled to remove the alcohol togive the corresponding ester.

Example 12

Preparation of Ib from Ia

12.1 Reaction

To a solution of Ia in toluene was added amino alcohol and theparticipated solid was collected to give Ib.

12.2 Results

(500 mg, 3.3 mmol) was dissolved in toluene (37 mL) at 80° C. andethanolamine (0.20 mL, 3.3 mmol) was added. The mixture was cooled toroom temperature, then ice bath, and filtered to give C38 as a whitepowder (600.5 mg, 94%).

12.2a (C38)

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 2.88 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (t, J=6.3Hz, 2H), 4.66 (s, 2H), 5.77 (br, 2H), 6.85-6.91 (m, 2H), 7.31 (td,J=7.2, 1.2 Hz, 1H).

Example 13 5-(4-Carboxyphenoxy)-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole

To a solution of 5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole obtainedin C17 (430 mg, 1.71 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL) was added 6 mol/L sodiumhydroxide (2 mL), and the mixture was refluxed for 3 hours. Hydrochloricacid (6 mol/L, 3 mL) was added, and the mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was washed with brine and dried on anhydroussodium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and theresidue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate)followed by trituration with diisopropyl ether to give the targetcompound (37 mg, 8%).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 4.94 (s, 2H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 4H), 7.76(d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 9.19 (s, 1H), 12.8 (br s,1H).

Example 14 1-Hydroxy-5-[4-(tetrazole-1-yl)phenoxy]-2,1-benzoxaborole

A mixture of 5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole (200 mg,0.797 mmol), sodium azide (103 mg, 1.59 mmol), and ammonium chloride (85mg, 1.6 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (5 mL) was stirred at 80° C. fortwo days. Water was added, and the mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was washed with water and brine, and dried onanhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reducedpressure, and the residue was purified by silica gel columnchromatography (ethyl acetate) followed by trituration with ethylacetate to give the target compound (55 mg, 23%).

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm) 4.95 (s, 2H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 2H), 7.23(d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.76 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 9.18(br s, 1H).

Example 15 4-(4-Cyanophenoxy)phenylboronic acid (C97)

(a) (4-cyanophenyl)(4-bromophenyl)ether

Under nitrogen, the mixture of 4-fluorobenzonitrile (7.35 g, 60.68mmol), 4-bromophenol (10 g, 57.8 mmol) and potassium carbonate (12 g,1.5 eq) in DMF (100 mL) was stirred at 100° C. for 16 h and thenfiltered. After rotary evaporation, the residue was dissolved in ethylacetate and washed with 1N NaOH solution to remove unreacted phenol. Theorganic solution was dried and passed through a short silica gel columnto remove the color and minor phenol impurity. Evaporation of thesolution gave (4-cyanophenyl)(4-bromophenyl)ether (13.82 g, yield 87.2%)as a white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 7.83 (d, 2H), 7.63 (d,2H), 7.13 (d, 2H) and 7.10 (d, 2H) ppm.

(b) 4-(4-cyanophenoxy)phenylboronic acid

The procedure described in Example 2d was used for the synthesis of4-(4-cyanophenoxy)phenylboronic acid using(4-cyanophenyl)(4-bromophenyl)ether as starting material. The titlecompound was obtained as a white solid. M.p.194-198° C. MS: m/z=239(M+), 240 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=238 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC: 95.3% purity at254 nm and 92.1% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆+D₂O): δ 7.83-7.76(m, 4H), 7.07 (d, 2H) and 7.04 (d, 2H) ppm.

Example 16 3-(4-Cyanophenoxy)phenylboronic acid (C98)

By following the procedures described for the synthesis of C21, thetitle compound was acquired from (4-cyanophenyl)(3-bromophenyl)etherthat was prepared using 3-bromophenol and 4-fluorobenzonitrile asstarting materials. The product was obtained as a white solid.M.p.153-162° C. MS: m/z=239 (M+), 240 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=238 (M−1)(ESI−). HPLC: 98.5% purity at 254 nm and 97.5% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d₆+D₂O): δ 7.78 (d, 2H), 7.64 (d, 1H), 7.45-7.40 (m, 2H),7.18-7.14 (dd, 1H) and 7.03 (d, 2H) ppm.

Example 17 4-(4-Cyanophenoxy)-2-Methylphenylboronic acid (C99)

By following the procedures described for the synthesis of C21, thetitle compound was acquired from(4-cyanophenyl)(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)ether that was prepared using4-bromo-3-methylphenol and 4-fluorobenzonitrile as starting materials.The product was obtained as a cream solid. M.p.161-165° C. MS: m/z=253(M+), 254 (M+1) (ESI+) and m/z=252 (M−1) (ESI−). HPLC: 97.1% purity at254 nm and 95.1% at 220 nm. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆+D₂O): δ 7.95 (d,2H), 7.81 (d, 1H), 7.09 (d, 2H), 6.92-6.88 (m, 2H) and 2.65 (s, 3H) ppm.

Example 18 Anti-Inflammatory Testing

The ability of the compounds of the invention to inhibitpro-inflammatory cytokines were tested. The effects of the compounds onIL-1β, IL-4, TNFα, and IFNγ cytokine release profiles in frozen humanperipheral blood mononucleocytes (PBMC) was examined. PBMC cells wereexposed to 10 μM concentration of each sample prior to stimulation with20 μg/mL Phytohemagglutinins (PHA). Cytokine release profiles areassayed using the Luminex 4-plex assay. (IL-1β, IFNγ, IL-4, TNF-α).Results of the testing are provided in FIGS. 1A-1B.

Methods:

Test Substances and Dosing Pattern

Frozen Human PBMC will be thawed and centrifuged. Cryopreservation mediawas aspirated off of the cell pellet, and the cells were resuspended infresh culture media. The culture media (CM) for PBMC was RPMI 1640, 10%FBS, 1% P/S, 2 mM L-glutamine. Cells were incubated at 37° C., 5% CO₂.Dissolve dry solid compound described herein, such as according toFormula (I) or Formula (II) in DMSO to form a 20 mM sample (DMSO, 100%).The 20 mM samples were diluted to 200 μM (10×) in CM (DMSO, 1%). 10 μLof diluted sample was added to 190 uL CM+cells (n=3) for a final sampleconcentration of 10 μM (Final DMSO 0.05%). The sample was incubated withthe cells at 37° C. for 15-30 mins prior to adding inducer (PHA, 20ug/mL). Inducer plus a vehicle (PHA+0.05% DMSO) was used as a controlfor this experiment. Vehicle without inducer was used as a negativecontrol. Dexamethasone (50 nM, n=3) was used in the positive control.Supernatant were extracted at 24 hours as well as 48 hours, and storedat −80° C. The supernatant was thawed, and assayed with Alamar Blue forsample cytotoxicity. The supernatant were then assayed for IL-1β, IL-4,TNF-α and IFNγ using the Luminex 4-plex assay.

Results:

Dexamethazone inhibition of cytokine secretion was within the expectedrange confirming that the assay was valid. % inhibition of IL-1β, IL-4,TNF-α and IFNγ for the various compounds of the invention are providedin FIGS. 1A-1B.

Example 19 Topical, Phorbol Ester Mouse Ear Assay Methods:

Test Substances and Dosing Pattern

5-(4-Cyanophenoxy)-1-hydroxy-2,1-dihydrobenzoxaborole and betamethasonewere provided by Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Betamethasone is used totreat the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation,and discomfort of various skin conditions.

Test substances were each applied topically to the right ear of the testanimal 30 minutes before and 15 minutes after Phorbol 12-Myristate13-Acetate (PMA) was applied. The dosing volume was 20 μl/ear forsolvent vehicle or 20 mg/ear for cream formulations.

Animals

Male CD-1 (Crl.) derived mice weighing 24±2 g were provided by BioLascoTaiwan (under Charles River Laboratories Technology Licensee). Spaceallocation for 10 animals was 29×18×13 cm. Mice were housed in APEC^(R)cages. All animals were maintained in a controlled temperature (22°C.-23° C.) and humidity (70%-80%) environment with 12 hours light darkcycles for at least one week in MDS Pharma Services—Taiwan Laboratoryprior to use. Free access to standard lab chow for mice (Lab Diet,Rodent Diet, PMI Nutrition International, USA) and tap water wasgranted. All aspects of this work including housing, experimentation anddisposal of animals were performed in general accordance with the Guidefor the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Academy Press,Washington, D.C., 1996).

Chemicals

Acetone (Wako, Japan), Ethanol Absolute (Merck, Germany), Dexamethasone(Sigma, USA) and Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate (Sigma, USA).

Equipment

Animal Cage (Allentown, USA), Dyer model micrometer gauge (Peacock,Japan) and Pipetman (Gilson, France).

Inflammation Assay: Topical, Phorbol Ester

Groups of 5 CD-1 (Crl.) derived male mice weighing 24±2 g were used. PMA(4 pg in 20 μl of Acetone) was applied topically to the anterior andposterior surfaces of the right ear to each animal. Vehicle(Ethanol:Acetone/1:1, 20 μL/ear or cream, 20 mg/ear) and test substancesincluding 5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1-hydroxy-2,1-dihydrobenzoxaborole andbetamethasone were each applied 30 minutes before and 15 minutes afterPMA application. Dexamethasone (3 mg in 20 μL/ear of acetone:ethanol/1:13 mg/ear) as the positive control was similarly applied at the sametiming. Ear swelling was then measured by a Dyer model micrometer gaugeat 6 hours after PMA application as an index of inflammation. Percentinhibition was calculated according to the formula: ([Ic−It]/Ic)×100%,where Ic and It refer to increase of ear thickness (mm) in control andtreated mice, respectively. Inhibition of 30 percent or more (>_30%) isconsidered significant anti-inflammatory activity.

CONCLUSION

In comparison with the respective vehicle (Ethanol:Acetone/1:1) or creamplacebo control groups, 5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborole,(1 mg/ear×2), Betamethasone (0.2 mg/ear×2) and caused significantinhibition of the PMA-induced ear swelling.

Concurrently, dexamethasone (3 mg/ear) caused also a significantdecrease (72%) in the ear swelling relative to the vehicle(Ethanol:Acetone/1:1)-treated group.

In conclusion, 5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1-hydroxy-2,1-dihydrobenzoxaborole, at1 mg/ear×2 and Betamethasone at 0.2 mg/ear×2 displayed significant (≥30%inhibition) anti-inflammatory activity, whereas5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1-hydroxy-2,1-dihydrobenzoxaborole, at 0.2 mg/ear×2caused a moderate (22%) but non-significant inhibition of the earswelling induced by topical phorbol ester in mice.

Example 20 Cyclic Boronic Esters

Additional compounds can be produced by the methods described herein. Bychoosing the appropriate starting material such as 1 or 3, the methodsdescribed herein can be used to formulate the following compounds. Whereavailable, melting point characterization is provided for thesecompounds.

20. Results

Analytical data for exemplary compounds of structure I are providedbelow.

20a Ethyl 2-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-5-yloxy)acetate(C41)

M.P. 134-137° C. Exemplary starting material: ethyl2-(4-bromo-3-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)acetate.

20b 2-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-5-yloxy)acetic acid(C42)

M.P. 163-166° C. Exemplary starting material: ethyl2-(4-bromo-3-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)acetate. The title compound isobtained after saponification of the corresponding ester.

20c 6-(thiophen-2-ylthio)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C43)

M.P. 99-104° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(thiophen-2-ylthio)phenyl)methanol.

20d 6-(4-fluorophenylthio)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C44)

M.P. 135-138° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(4-fluorophenylthio)phenyl)methanol.

20e1-(3-((1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-5-yloxy)methyl)phenyl)pentan-1-one(C45)

M.P. 96-98° C. Exemplary starting material:1-(3-((4-bromo-3-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)methyl)phenyl)pentan-1-one.

20f2-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-5-yloxy)-1-(piperidin-1-yl)ethanone(C46)

M.P. 158-163° C. Exemplary starting material:2-(4-bromo-3-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)-1-(piperidin-1-yl)ethanone.

20g2-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-5-yloxy)-1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)ethanone(C47)

M.P. 190-195° C. Exemplary starting material: 2-(4-bromo-3-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)-1-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)ethanone.

20h 6-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1 (3H)-ol(C48)

M.P. 135-138° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)phenyl)methanol.

20i 6-nitrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C49)

M.P. 163-171° C. Exemplary starting material:benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol. See JACS 82, 2172, 1960 for preparation.

20j 6-aminobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C50)

M.P. 145-148° C. Exemplary starting material:6-nitrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol.

20k 6-(dimethylamino)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C51)

M.P. 120-123° C. Exemplary starting material:6-aminobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol.

20l N-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-6-yl)benzamide (C52)

M.P. 186-193° C. Exemplary starting material:6-aminobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol.

20m 6-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C53)

M.P. 159-161° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl)methanol.

20n 6-(1H-indol-1-yl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1 (3H)-ol (C55)

M.P. 135-140° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(1H-indol-1-yl)phenyl)methanol.

20o 6-morpholinobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C56)

M.P. 128-132° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-morpholinophenyl)methanol.

20p6-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-5-yloxy)nicotinonitrile(C57)

M.P. 193-198° C. Exemplary starting material:6-(4-bromo-3-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)nicotinonitrile.

20q 5-fluoro-6-nitrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C58)

M.P. 162-167° C. Exemplary starting material:5-fluorobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol.

20r 5-bromo-6-(hydroxymethyl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1 (3H)-ol (C59)

M.P.>257° C. Exemplary starting material:(2,5-dibromo-4-(methoxymethyl)phenyl)methanol.

20s 3,7-dihydro-1,5-dihydroxy-1H, 3H-Benzo[1,2-c:4,5-c′]bis[1,2]oxaborole (C60)

M.P.>250° C. Exemplary starting material:(2,5-dibromo-1,4-phenylene)dimethanol.

20t 1-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-6-yl)-3-phenylurea(C61)

M.P. 213-215° C. Exemplary starting material:6-aminobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol.

20uN-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-6-yl)benzenesulfonamide(C62)

M.P. 175-184° C. Exemplary starting material:6-aminobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol.

20v N-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-6-yl)acetamide (C63)

M.P. 176-185° C. Exemplary starting material:6-aminobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol.

20w 7-(hydroxymethyl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1 (3H)-ol (C64)

M.P. 241-250° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-1,3-phenylene)dimethanol.

20x 7-methylbenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C65)

M.P. 107-111° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-3-methylphenyl)methanol.

20y 6-(3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C66)

M.P. 159-163° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenyl)methanol.

20z3-(1-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-6-yl)-1H-indol-3-ylthio)propanenitrile(C67)

M.P. 135-141° C. Exemplary starting material:3-(1-(3-bromo-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)-1H-indol-3-ylthio)propanenitrile.

20aa 6-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-1-yl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C68)

M.P. 120-124° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-1-yl)phenyl)methanol.

20bb 5,6-methylenedioxybenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol. (C69)

M.P. 185-189° C. Exemplary starting material:(6-bromobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)methanol.

20cc 6-amino-5-fluorobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C70)

M.P. 142-145° C. Exemplary starting material:6-nitro-5-fluorobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol.

20dd 6-(benzylamino)-5-fluorobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C71)

M.P. 159-164° C. Exemplary starting material:6-amino-5-fluorobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol.

20ee6-(5-methoxy-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol(C72)

M.P. 135-141° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(5-methoxy-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenyl)methanol.

20ff3-(1-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-6-yl)-5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-ylthio)propanenitrile(C73)

M.P. 149-154° C. Exemplary starting material:3-(1-(3-bromo-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)-5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-ylthio)propanenitrile.

20gg 4-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-7-yloxy)benzonitrile(C74)

M.P. 148-153° C. Exemplary starting material:4-(2-bromo-3-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)benzonitrile.

20hh 6-(5-chloro-1H-indol-1-yl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C75)

M.P. 149-154° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(5-chloro-1H-indol-1-yl)phenyl)methanol.

20ii3-(5-chloro-1-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-6-yl)-1H-indol-3-ylthio)propanenitrile(C76)

M.P.>225° C. Exemplary starting material:3-(1-(3-bromo-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-1H-indol-3-ylthio)propanenitrile.

20jj 6-(benzylamino)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C77)

M.P. 126-133° C. Exemplary starting material:6-aminobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol.

20kk 6-(dibenzylamino)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C78)

M.P. 115-123° C. Exemplary starting material:6-aminobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol.

20ll 7-(4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C79)

M.P. decomposition at 215° C. Exemplary starting material:4-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-7-yloxy)benzonitrile.

20 mm6-(5-chloro-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol(C80)

M.P. 145-151° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(5-chloro-3-(phenylthio)-1H-indol-1-yl)phenyl)methanol.

20nn 6-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol(C82)

M.P. NA ° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)phenyl)methanol.

20oo 7-(benzyloxy)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C83)

M.P. NA ° C. Exemplary starting material:(3-(benzyloxy)-2-bromophenyl)methanol.

20pp 4-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-6-ylthio)pyridiniumchloride (C84)

M.P. NA ° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(pyridin-4-ylthio)phenyl)methanol.

20qq 6-(pyridin-2-ylthio)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1 (3H)-ol (C85)

M.P. NA ° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(pyridin-2-ylthio)phenyl)methanol.

20rr 7-fluorobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C86)

M.P. 120-124° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-3-fluorophenyl)methanol.

20ss 6-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C87)

M.P. 98-105° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)methanol.

20tt 6-(4-chlorophenylthio)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C88)

M.P. 157-161° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(4-chlorophenylthio)phenyl)methanol.

20uu 6-(4-chlorophenylsulfinyl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C89)

M.P. 154-161° C. Exemplary starting material:6-(4-chlorophenylthio)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1 (3H)-ol.

20vv 6-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C90)

M.P. 157-163° C. Exemplary starting material:6-(4-chlorophenylthio)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1 (3H)-ol.

20wwN-(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-5-yl)-N-(phenylsulfonyl)benzenesulfonamide(C91)

M.P. 142-152° C. Exemplary starting material:N-(4-bromo-3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)-N-(phenylsulfonyl)benzenesulfonamide.

20xx 6-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylthio)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1 (3H)-ol(C92)

M.P. 111-113° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylthio)phenyl)methanol.

20yy 6-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfinyl)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol(C93)

M.P. 79-88° C. Exemplary starting material:6-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylthio)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1 (3H)-ol.

20zz 6-(4-(methylthio)phenylthio)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1 (3H)-ol (C94)

M.P. 117-120° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(4-(methylthio)phenylthio)phenyl)methanol.

20aaa 6-(p-tolylthio)benzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-1(3H)-ol (C95)

M.P. 139-144° C. Exemplary starting material:(2-bromo-4-(p-tolylthio)phenyl)methanol.

20bbb3-((1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborol-5-yloxy)methyl)benzonitrile(C96)

M.P. 147-150° C. Exemplary starting material:3-((4-bromo-3-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)methyl)benzonitrile.

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein arefor illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changesin light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and areto be included within the spirit and purview of this application andscope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patentapplications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety for all purposes.

What is claimed is: 1-39. (canceled)
 40. A method of treating orpreventing diabetes in a human comprising administering to the human inneed of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compoundof structure

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.